UNFPA IN THE NEWS – AUGUST 27-SEPTEMBER 2, 2005

BANGLADESH: Fistula Rehabilitation Center Opened

The New Nation (Bangladesh) reported August 31 that the Dhaka Medical College Hospital and UNFPA jointly opened a training and rehabilitation center for fistula patients at the hospital. Read: The New Nation

BANGLADESH: Condom Use Low Among Drug Users

Bangladesh Observer reported August 31 that poor use of condoms among the vulnerable groups, particularly injecting drug users, has enhanced the risk of spreading HIV/AIDS in Bangladesh. "These people are practicing unprotected sex with their female partners and as well as with the commercial sex workers which might invite the deadly disease in the worst form in Bangladesh," said Suneeta Mukherjee, UNFPA representative, at a ceremony launching two brands of locally produced condoms. Read: Bangladesh Observer

KENYA: Pharmaceutical Company Makes ARVs More Accessible

Kenya Times reported September 1 that Phillips Pharmaceuticals is a private corporation that is making HIV care, treatment and prevention more accessible to patients across Kenya. Although Phillips Pharmaceuticals makes no profit on the distribution of ARVs, it has contributed to the implementation of the "Accelerating Access Initiative," an agreement signed in May 2000 by UNAIDS, WHO, UNFPA and five multinational pharmaceutical companies to lower the cost of triple therapy treatment in developing countries from approximately US $800 (Sh 6,800) per month to between $40 (Sh3,040) and $60 (Sh 4,560). Read: Kenya Times

NEPAL: Training on Population Issues

Nepal Rising reported August 31 about the beginning of a month-long training to identify causal factors of population growth in Nepal and provide information about the impacts of overpopulation in gender equality and national development. National Planning Commission member, Professor Vijaya Shrestha, launched the training held by Tribhuvan University Institute of Population and Population Studies Training Center with the assistance of UNFPA. Read: Rising Nepal

NIGERIA: Trial Census Begins in Eight Areas

Daily Trust (Nigeria) reported August 30 that with the support of UNFPA, Nigeria's nationwide trial census kicked off in eight selected local government areas of Kwara State.

PAKISTAN: Pakistan Minister Praises UNFPA Efforts

Associated Press of Pakistan reported August 29 that Pakistan's Minister for Population Welfare, Chaudhary Shahbaz Hussain, said he appreciated efforts made by UNFPA in lowering the high birth rate in Pakistan. In a statement, he said: "The significant role played by UNFPA regarding family planning in Pakistan is laudable. I hope this congenial co-operation would continue in the future to move the country forward by creating awareness among masses."

PAKISTAN: Unwanted Pregnancy in Pakistan

The Hindu Business Line (India) reported September 2 that according to a study, "Unwanted Pregnancy and Post-abortion Complications in Pakistan," conducted by the Population Council of Pakistan and supported by the Packard Foundation, WHO, Alan Guttmacher Institute, Department for International Development and UNFPA, the estimated national abortion rate was 29 per 1,000 women in the reproductive age-group. This rate is higher than neighboring India and almost similar to Bangladesh. Read: Hindu Business Line

PHILIPPINES: Australian Government Earmarks Foreign Aid for HIV/AIDS Program

Manila Standard (Philippines) reported August 31 that the Australian government has earmarked Aus$ 2.8 million for an HIV/AIDS program geared to educate Filipino children on safe sex and reproductive health. In a statement released by the embassy, Australian Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Bruce Billson, said the money will be channeled through the United Nations office in Manila. "Our funding will help the United Nations Population Fund and the Department of Education in the Philippines develop teaching materials that give young people more information about sexual and reproductive health and safe and effective family planning methods," Billson said. Read: Manila Standard

THAILAND: Tsunami-Affected Migrants in Need of Reproductive Health Services

UN News Centre reported August 31 that according to a UNFPA-sponsored study, migrants living in areas affected by last year's tsunami need better access to maternal and child health services, family planning and information on preventing HIV infection. UNFPA said the findings confirm the need for mobile health clinics and health education campaigns such as those being run in both migrant and Thai communities in Krabi, Phang-nga, Phuket and Ranong by the World Vision Foundation of Thailand and provincial public health offices with UNFPA support. Read: UN News Centre, Bangkok Post, Prensa Latina

UGANDA: Violence and Disease Greatest Causes of Death in War Torn Country

IRIN reported August 29 that an estimated 1,000 people displaced by the 19-year-old war in northern Uganda die every week from violence or disease. The Ugandan Ministry of Health conducted the survey in partnership with WHO, UNICEF, WFP, UNFPA, the International Rescue Committee and the U.K. Department for International Development. Read: IRIN

YEMEN: Reports Awarded for Stories on Gender Equality

The Yemen Observer reported August 27 that the Yemen Observer Environment Editor, Ameen Abduljalil, and Social Editor, Elham Hassan, were awarded the third best reports on "Gender Equality and Women Empowerment" in a competition sponsored by UNFPA and the program of media and Population communication. Read: The Yemen Observer

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