UNFPA IN THE NEWS
– FEBRUARY 18-MARCH 3, 2006
COLUMNIST CALLS FOR WOMAN TO BE NAMED TO TOP U.N. POST
Zimbabwe Standard ran a February 19 column by Rosemary Okello who advocated for a woman to be named the U.N. Secretary General. Okello noted: “If the principle of regional rotation is to be followed, Asia too has a number of potential women including Nafis Sadik, former Executive Director of UNFPA, Leticia Shahani, Former U.N. Assistant Secretary General, Burmese democracy leader currently under house arrest Aung San Suu Kyi, who is also a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, and Sadako Ogata, formerly of UNHCR.” Okello's column concluded, “While member countries might be looking at the post as a chance to offer favors or settle scores, 10 years after the Beijing Platform for Action, women are tired of the U.N. talking the language of gender equality without matching their talk with action.” Read: Zimbabwe Standard
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
Mauritania: Angola Press Agency reported February 24 that ahead of celebrating International Women's Day, t hree U.N. agencies – UNDP, UNFPA and UNICEF – launched a project aimed at strengthening the involvement of women in the decision-making process in Mauritania . The project is aimed at enhancing women's capacities in political participation in order to eliminate gender marginalization. Read: Angola Press Agency
Nigeria: This Day reported February 25 that as Nigeria and the rest of the world prepare to celebrate International Women's Day, UNFPA used the occasion to highlight the need to place more women in decision-making positions. The article quoted UNFPA's statement: "Just having a few women in decision making will not do it as these few women will be overwhelmingly marginalized and in most cases frustrated even if they have the capacity and will to pursue gender sensitive and responsive agenda[s].” Read: This Day
U.N. ENVOY TALKS ABOUT THE BURDEN OF AFRICAN WOMEN
The Post (Zambia) reported February 27 that, while addressing a Harvard Law School conference entitled, “United Nations Reform and Human Rights,” U.N. Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa Stephen Lewis argued that, due to the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa , it was virtually impossible to talk plausibly of women's human rights. The article noted that “Lewis said despite the unwarranted attacks by the United States administration, the United Nations had continued to persevere by addressing women's sexual and reproductive health programs through UNFPA.” Read: The Post
JEDDAH ECONOMIC FORUM MARKS SHIFT IN WOMEN'S ATTENDENCE
A February 27 column by Jane Kinninmont that ran in The South China Morning Post noted that this year, at least 200 women attended the Jeddah Economic Forum, which included female doctors, bankers, journalists and engineers, and student volunteers. Kinninmont was impressed by the women she met in Jeddah, calling them “the lucky ones: educated, employed and optimistic.” Kinninmont continued, “Again and again, I heard women mention their gratitude that they had fathers who had allowed them to be educated.” Thoraya Obaid, UNFPA Executive Director, was quoted as saying: "I am grateful for my parents' foresight in sending me to school. My father reared me like himself, free and responsible."
AZERBAIJAN: Seminar on Gender Equality
AzerTag reported February 20 that the Gender Research Center at the Western University with the support of UNFPA has conducted a seminar, “Towards Gender Equality: Gender Problems of Reproductive Rights in Azerbaijan .” Read: AzerTag
BANGLADESH: European Parliamentarians Visit Reproductive Health Projects
United News of Bangladesh reported February 19-22 that a visiting delegation of European Parliamentarians toured of reproductive health projects by the Reproductive Health Initiative for Youth in Asia (RHIYA). The officials advised the Bangladesh government to strongly lobby the EU for increased financial assistance in the health sector. The story noted that the RHIYA projects are funded by the EU and UNFPA. Read: United News of Bangladesh : Feb. 20, Feb. 21, The Independent, Financial Express CAMBODIA: UNFPA Support for Cambodian Census
Xinhua General News Service reported February 27 that Cambodia launched its 2008 general population census plan to help the country formulate specific policies and programs to balance population growth and development. Xinhua noted that the estimated cost for the census is $6 million. UNFPA has pledged $1.5 million to the plan and hopes to mobilize an additional $2-3 million from other resources. Read: Xinhua General News Service
CHINA: Chinese Academy of Railway Sciences Visit India Project
Indian Express reported February 20 that in the south-central region of the Indian Railways, a high level Chinese delegation from the ministry of railways, the Chinese Academy of Railway Sciences, the Beijing Municipal Railways, UNFPA, and UNIFEM visited India to study a joint project of the Indian Railways and UNIFEM. The project, called “Equalizing Gender Relationships in the Context of HIV/AIDS,” deals with the high HIV/AIDS rates in the region. Read: Indian Express
ETHIOPIA: Health Professionals Trained in Emergency Obstetric Care
The Ethiopian Herald reported February 23 that more than “700 health professionals are to be trained in emergency obstetrical and surgical care over the next five years” to address the shortage of health care workers in an effort that could help reduce maternal mortality. In the article, Health Minister Dr. Tewodros Adhanom commended the support of Medecins Du Monde, the French Embassy, UNFPA and the Norwegian government for providing the training. UNFPA Representative to Ethiopia , Dr. Monique Rakotomalala, said that “25,000 mothers die every year in Ethiopia ,” adding that the agency would further work with the state's Health Bureau on “reproductive health and in preventing harmful traditional practices.” Read: The Ethiopian Herald
ETHIOPIA: Goodwill Ambassador on a 10-Day Visit
Daily Monitor reported March 1 that during a 10-day visit to Ethiopia , Japanese athlete and UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador, Yuko Arimori said female genital cutting or mutilation was a serious problem. "I am very pleased to visit Ethiopia . In this country, I felt the pride of Ethiopian people and the long history and traditions," Arimori said. “However, the gender issues and particularly female genital cutting and mutilation are serious problems." Read: The Daily Monitor
A February 28 story by The Ethiopian Herald reported that while briefing journalists during her visit, Japanese Goodwill Ambassador Yoko Arimori urged young Ethiopian women to participate in development. The article also noted Yoko's statements on the “impressive” support for women's leadership in Ethiopia as well as her contention that more participation would have important benefits for individual women and on a larger scale. Read: Ethiopian Herald
FIJI: Respect and Dignity Assured for HIV Testing for Prisoners
Fiji Times reported February 19 that prior to testing prisoners in Fiji for HIV, UNFPA representative in Fiji , Najib Assifi assured that UNFPA subscribes to the international human rights charter on voluntary confidential counsel and testing of all individuals, including incarcerated persons. "UNFPA works with governments of the Pacific and provides support in various areas of need as identified by respective governments. For example, we work with the Ministry of Health in providing educational and youth counseling services in schools and youth clinics in 10 Pacific countries," Assifi said. "Our work in the area of HIV awareness and prevention is expanding to address the need of various groups such as youths, workplace settings and marginalized groups and our counseling services can be extended to the prison services as well. Read: Fiji Times
GHANA: UNFPA Representatives Discuss Country Program with Media
Citi News reported February 27 that UNFPA representatives Emmanuel Tofoatsi and Doris Aglobitse from the Ghana office met with the media to discuss its new country program action plan. Read: Citi News
GHANA: UNFPA Commits Millions to Fifth Country Program Action Plan
Ghana News Agency reported February 21 that UNFPA committed $27 million to support the Fifth Country Program Action Plan. Emmanuel Tofoatsi, Assistant Country Representative of UNFPA, named the program's strategic focus on maternal health as an essential contribution to poverty reduction. Read: Ghana News Agency
At the launch of the action plan for Ghana, Citi News reported February 27 that UNFPA Representative Makane Kane said UNFPA will direct specific interventions while continuing to provide support for development policies and standards, data for development, and sector-wide approaches and reproductive health community supply. Kane added that the Fifth Country Program represents UNFPA's continued commitment to Ghana toward achieving of ICPD goals, the MDGs and government priorities in growth and poverty reduction strategies. Rea d: Citi News
GHANA: Preventing Fistula
Citi News reported February 20 that UNFPA has organised a workshop on obstetric fistula in Accra . Dr. Makane Kane, Country Director of UNFPA, said that prevention and treatment were major mechanisms to end fistula. Doris Aglobiste of UNFPA added that the UNFPA project launched in 2003 to end fistula globally is currently covering 30 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa . Dr. Aglobiste “ said the project dubbed ‘Preventing Harm and Healing Wounds' ensures the prevention and treatment of fistula, to save millions of lives of women, who die from complications of pregnancy and childbirth,' the article reported. Read: Citi News
GUATEMALA: Holland Donates 6.5 million Euros for Reproductive Health
The Diario de Centro América reported on February 27 that the Dutch government donated 6.5 million Euros to the Guatemalan Ministry of Health for reproductive health and HIV/AIDS initiatives in Alta Verapaz and Izapal. The story noted that the funds will be administered by UNFPA.
INDIA: Center to Be Set Up for Adivasi Youth
The Hindu reported February 23 that Union Minister for Youth Affairs Mani Sankar Aiyar is scheduled to inaugurate the training center set up by the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan at Malampuzha for Adivasi youth next month. The story noted that teen clubs will be set up at villages with help from UNFPA. Read: The Hindu
KENYA: Adolescent Reproductive Health and Development Policy Launched
The Nation reported February 23 that at the launch of the adolescent reproductive health and development policy plan of action (2005 to 2015), Medical Services Director James Nyikal said the lack of reproductive health care is to blame for an increase in teenage pregnancies. The policy was announced with the National Coordinating Agency for Population and Development Chief Executive Richard Muga and UNFPA Country Representative Mustapha Kamal attending. Read: The Nation
KENYA: Nurses Lured Away for More Pay
Reuters reported February 27 that Kenyan nurses' hand-to-mouth existence is driving them to seek work in under-staffed hospitals and nursing homes in Britain, the United States, Australia and New Zealand. The story cited a UNFPA report that said migration meant poorer countries were "subsidizing" wealthier nations' health-care systems. Read: Reuters
KYRGYZSTAN: Bride “Grab and Run” Often More Violent than Perceived
IRIN reported February 22 on Kyrgyzstan 's estimates of upwards of 30 percent of the country's married women have been snatched from the street by their husbands in a custom known as "ala kachuu," which translates roughly as "grab and run." In its most benign form, it is a kind of elopement, in which a man whisks away a willing girlfriend, but often it is something more violent. UNFPA considers bride kidnapping as gender-based violence. “Women's rights are violated by not giving the right to a woman to choose her future husband," Julien Pellaux, a communication and advocacy officer with UNFPA in Kyrgyzstan, said. “ Kyrgyzstan is advanced in law protection, but not in implementing it. The problem is that the mentality [of local people] is not ready.” Read: IRIN
LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN: South-South Cooperative Initiative
Stabroek News reported March 2 on the South-South Cooperative Initiative created by Caricom and UNFPA. UNFPA Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Marisela Padron Quero, said the initiative provides opportunities to share skills and experiences from other developing countries within and outside the Caribbean. It also provides a framework to share technical skills in the areas of reproductive health, HIV/AIDS prevention, population and development strategies, data for development planning and the promotion of gender equality. Read: Stabroek News
LEBANON: UNFPA Cited for Continued Work
The February 2006 issue of Executive Magazine mentioned UNFPA as one of the world's international bodies that continue to execute projects for the development and well-being of Lebanon and its people. The story noted that with the goal of supporting the Lebanese government in meeting its population and development goals, UNFPA worked to bridge regional gaps in access to basic social services; reform the education and health sectors; develop initiatives targeting youth; support the empowerment of women; protect the environment; collaborate with non-governmental organizations, the media and the private sector; foster aid coordination; and build national capacity in the management of social development initiatives. Read: Executive Magazine
MALAWI: Youth Participation in Worship and Sports
The Chronicle Newspaper reported February 20 that more than 40 percent of young people in Malawi spend most of their time participating in “spiritual matters like going to church and participating in sports,” according to the 2005 State of World Population report by UNFPA.
MALAWI: Youth Centers Urged to Scale Up Youth Services
The Nation reported February 23 that the Malawi g overnment asked reproductive health provider Banja La Mtsogolo to scale up youth services for Malawi to achieve economic growth. Minister of Economic Planning and Development David Faiti commended UNFPA for funding Banja La Mtsogolo to set up centers where youth learn about reproductive health issues and participate in extracurricular activities. “This prevents youth from engaging in risky sexual activities that also prevent them from contributing significantly to the economic development of our country,” said Faiti. UNFPA Country Representative Esperance Fundira said it was encouraging that girls are patronizing drop-in centers and are actively participating in activities, adding that girls are six times more vulnerable to HIV and AIDS than their male peers. Read: The Nation
MALAWI: 20,000 Female Condoms to Be Distributed
The Chronicle Newspaper reported February 28 that sexual reproductive and healthcare providers, Banja Lamtsogolo (BLM), are expected to distribute 20,000 female condoms this year to young women to protect them from sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancies through a project funded by UNFPA. Read: The Chronicle Newspaper
MALAWI: UNFPA's Donation Noticed
In Women's eNews February 18 edition of the week's Cheers & Jeers, a “cheer” went to UNFPA's donation of almost $100,000 worth of delivery kits to health workers in Malawi to assist them in providing quality reproductive health services to women, according to the Malawi newspaper The Chronicle . Read: Women's eNews
MALAWI: Representative Urges Early Collection of Census Funding The Daily Times reported February 21 that t he National Statistics Office (NSO) should be innovative and diversify its type of information and research. Minister of Economic Planning and Development, David Faiti, who visited UNFPA-funded projects at various institutions in Blantyre and Zomba over the weekend, said NSO plays a crucial role in the development of the country. In addition, UNFPA Country Representative Esperance Fundira said NSO should ask for funds in good time and come up with reasonable proposals. “We need to immediately start advocacy and resource mobilization for the 2008 census. We cannot go to donors asking for funding today when the census is tomorrow,” she said. Read: Daily Times
MYANMAR: Course Promoting Reproductive Health Projects The New Light of Myanmar reported February 27 that the office of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association in South Oakkalapa Township held a course on reproductive health. The course was jointly organized by the Health Department, MMCWA and UNFPA. Read: The New Light of Myanmar
PAKISTAN: No New Laws Fighting Unsafe Abortion on Legislative Horizon
The Daily Times reported February 26 that a senior health ministry official had stated Pakistan's federal government was not planning to make new laws against illegal abortions because the existing laws in Pakistan Penal Code were enough to deal with the crime. The story noted that according to UNFPA, more than 20 million young women aged between 15 and 19 years undergo unsafe abortions each year, which result in around 78,000 deaths. Read: Daily Times
PAKISTAN: Seminar on Fistula
The Daily Times reported February 24 that at a seminar on 'Prevention and Treatment of Post-Partum Complications (Fistula) in Pakistan,' organized jointly by UNFPA, it was noted that an overwhelming number of women are facing obstetric complications during pregnancy and only one in 20 women with complications have access to emergency care. UNFPA estimates the world's population of fistula sufferers at more than two million. Read: The Daily Times
The Nation reported February 24 that at a seminar organized by Pakistan National Forum on Women's Health in collaboration with UNFPA, Dr. Sher Shah, Associate Professor at Nawabshah Medical College , said three fistula centers in the country at Peshawar , Multan and Karachi will open where treatment will be free of cost.
PAKISTAN: Annual Workplan Signed
Dawn reported March 2 that at a signing ceremony for the Annual Workplan for UNFPA's 7th Country Program of Assistance to Pakistan , UNFPA announced that it would provide $6 million to support various women-centered programs in Pakistan 's 10 districts and Azad Kashmir in 2006. Read: Dawn, The Nation, APP
PHILIPPINES: Catholic Bishops Conference Adopts Anti-Contraception Policy The Manila Standard reported February 20 that the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) adopted a hard-line policy to restrict its followers' use of modern birth control methods. The CBCP, comprised of some 90 bishops and archbishops throughout the country, began imposing the policy amid a growing clamor in Congress for the passage of House Bill 3773 or the Responsible Parenthood and Population Management Act of 2005. The campaign brought the CBCP into a head-on collision course with the lawmakers, local government officials, health officials and advocates of family planning such as the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines , Reproductive Health Advocacy Network, Linangan ng Kababaihan, Gabriela, Philippine Legislators' Committee on Population and Development and UNFPA. Read: Manila Standard
PHILIPPINES: Youth Club Launched
Manila Bulletin reported March 3 on Club K, a UNFPA-funded group designed to act as a "youth hub" for resources, education and activities that involves the youth in productive and worthwhile endeavors. Club K is made up of the Advocates for Youth Philippines Foundation in partnership with Music Television, UNAIDS, and Wolfac Mobile, Inc. Read: Manila Bulletin
SIERRA LEONE: Results from 2004 Census Released The Concord Times reported February 26 that President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah officially released the 2004 Population and Housing census. In his keynote address, Kabbah thanked UNFPA, the European Union and other donor communities that supported Statistics Sierra Leone's comprehensive report. Read: Concord Times
SRI LANKA: UNFPA Representative Names Guest of Honor Daily News reported February 25 that experts from South Asia and East Africa are scheduled to participate in a workshop on public-private sector partnerships working for reproductive health strategies for meeting the Millennium Development Goals. The story noted that Lubna Baqi, UNFPA representative in Sri Lanka , will be the guest of honor. Read: Daily News
SUDAN: Training on Gender-Based Violence IRIN reported March 3 that during a meeting on violence against women in northern Darfur , participants debated whether a woman who falls pregnant after being raped should be charged with adultery. The discussion took place during a training program organized by UNFPA. The story noted that according to UNFPA, approximately 80 percent of the encamped populations in the strife-torn western Sudanese region of Darfur are women and children. “We're talking about a significant and potentially vulnerable population in IDP [internally displaced persons] settings," said Maha Muna, UNFPA emergency coordinator for Sudan . “This means that almost the entire camp population is potentially at risk of gender-based violence [GBV], and we know what those risks are." Read: IRIN
SWAZILAND: Workshop on Youth The Swazi Observer reported February 24 that at a workshop on youth, UNFPA Assistant Representative M.S. Marjorie Mavuso found that the prevalence rate of 29.3 percent among youth aged 16-19 was unacceptably high, adding that emergency measures had to be engaged. “Young people are not only bearing the brunt of HIV and AIDS and abject to poverty but they are also vulnerable to all forms of exploitation, violence, early childbirth and substance abuse,” she said. Read: Swazi Observer
In another February 24 story by The Swazi Observer , UNFPA Assistant Representative M.S. Marjorie Mavuso noted that HIV/AIDS messages being disseminated are conflicting partly because the national Behavior Change Communication strategy, targeting HIV prevention among the youth, had not yet been developed. Read: Swazi Observer
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador Pregnant The Jamaica Gleaner reported February 20 that the announcement by Miss Universe 1998 Wendy Fitzwilliam, UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador, that she is about to become an unwed mother has sent shock waves through the twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Read: The Jamaica Gleaner
UGANDA: Country to Benefit from World Bank Program The Monitor reported February 22 that Uganda is set to benefit from the new Africa-wide HIV/AIDS policy developed by the World Bank. Elizabeth Laura Lule of the World Bank in Africa explained that a new AIDS strategy for Africa is reviewed after seven years to suit the contemporary challenges in fighting AIDS in Uganda among other developing countries. Delegates from UNFPA, Straight Talk Foundation, Uganda Red Cross, Actionaid International Uganda and the ministries of Gender, Labour and Social development and Health, among others, made presentations during the brainstorming session. Read: The Monitor
ZAMBIA: Free Condoms Distributed
ZANIS reported February 23 that UNFPA in Northwestern Province has distributed more than one million male condoms from September 2005 to January this year. UNFPA Program Manager Glenn Gentry told ZANIS that the demand for free male condoms in Solwezi is variable due to a cyclical pattern of demand linked to the timing of the payment of salaries each month. He observed that when the miners and government salaries are paid, the demand for condoms reaches a peak. He found that an overwhelming majority of guest houses, bars and night clubs and their staff have indicated that the distribution of the free condoms was very popular with their customers especially when there are workshops and other functions. Read: ZANIS
ZIMBABWE: Equipment to Improve Maternal and Infant Health Received
The Nation reported February 23 t he country's central district and rural hospitals have received a wide range of emergency obstetric and neonatal care equipment and drugs from UNFPA. The shipment is set to go a long way in saving lives of pregnant mothers and their babies. While h anding over the equipment, UNFPA Country Representative Dr. Bruce Campel raised concern at the substantial increase in deaths that are related to pregnancy and childbirth that can be averted. Read: The Nation
ZIMBABWE: Pay Differences between Health Staff Need to Be More Pronounced
The Herald reported February 27 during a ceremonial handover of equipment and drugs from UNFPA, Health and Child Welfare Minister Dr. David Parirenyatwa said the confirmation of senior health professionals to elevated posts needed to speed up to help show a difference in pay from their junior counterparts. Read: The Herald
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