UNFPA IN THE NEWS—JULY 1-21, 2006

CAMPAIGN TO END FISTULA

The International Herald Tribune ran a July 14 letter to the editor by Hilary Benn, Britain's secretary of state for international development, Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, UNFPA Executive Director and Natalie Imbruglia, spokesperson for UNFPA’s Campaign to End Fistula, who recently helped launch an awareness campaign on the fistula. The letter opened by noting three things everyone should know about fistula: “it is a terrible childbirth injury,” “most of its victims are young, poor, malnourished women living in remote areas of Africa and Asia,” and “nine out of ten simple fistulas can be repaired.” The letter noted: “Despite years of effort, most women in Africa and many in Asia do not yet have access to family planning. Older men marry young girls who have no control over their bodies. One result is that more than two million women today are living with fistula and its consequences.” The letter concluded: “The Campaign to End Fistula is helping to right this preventable wrong in more than 35 countries. Safe motherhood can and should be a given for all women, everywhere. So should respect for women's choices, health and lives.” Read: International Herald Tribune

IRIN reported July 18 that President Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal ordered his government to allow free treatment for women suffering from obstetric fistula. The story mentioned UNFPA’s global campaign to combat obstetric fistula that was launced in 2003. The WHO estimates that about two million women in developing countries suffer from the problem and that between 50,000 and 100,000 new cases occur annually around the world. Read: IRIN

San Jose Mercury News reported July 11 on Ric Haas' Santa Clara-based Fistula Foundation, the only U.S. source of funding for helping women with fistula in Ethiopia. The story also mentioned the Campaign to End Fistula, a global initiative by UNFPA, that has raised $9.8 million since 2003. The campaign covers 35 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and the Middle East. Fistula is “an important issue on its own and as a barometer of women's maternal health around the world,” said Kate Ramsey, spokeswoman for the campaign. Ramsey also said it will take a lot of time and sustained investment to build a solid medical infrastructure, such as the one in Ethiopia, to stem the rate of 100,000 new fistula cases annually around the world. Read: San Jose Mercury News

The British Medical Journal’s July 1 issue reported on UNFPA’s global campaign to end fistula that consists of a month-long advertising drive in the U.K. to raise awareness on the condition affecting between 50,000 to 100,000 women each year. Campaign spokesperson Natalie Imbruglia said, “It’s unacceptable that girls in developing countries are still suffering from this entirely preventable and treatable condition.”

A July 2 story by Sunday Herald Sun noted that Natalie Imbruglia is helping UNFPA’s Campaign to End Fistula.

ADVOCATING FOR A U.N. WOMEN’S AGENCY

The Toronto Star reported July 1 on United Nations special envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa Stephen Lewis’s campaign to create of a powerful new U.N. agency to defend women's rights, health and security. The story noted that the women's agency would cost around $1 billion a year, and employ several thousand staff. It would consolidate scattered projects now under the wings of the children's fund UNICEF, UNFPA, the WHO and UNDP. Read: Toronto Star: July 1, July 12, Voice of America

National Public Radio’s July 12 News and Notes segment interviewed Lewis who spoke on progress and roadblocks in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Kenya and across the developing world. When Lewis was asked about how the United Nations could fight HIV/AIDS through gender inequalities, he called it “one of the great challenges for the U.N.” and, at the same time, “one of the areas of greatest failure of the U.N.” Lewis said: “The United Nations desperately needs an international agency for women. It doesn't have one. More than half the world's population is largely unrepresented in the work of the United Nations. There simply are not any powerful agencies, with the possible exception of the U.N. Population Fund, which deals more narrowly with sexual and reproductive health.” 

REFORM CAUSING IMPROVED COOPERATION AMONG U.N. AGENCIES

UN News Centre reported July 12 that the heads of U.N. agencies told the Economic and Social Council that although the United Nations has improved its field operations to help countries pursue their development goals through better interagency cooperation, more reforms are necessary. “A streamlined country presence should be placed in the context of how this contributed to a more coherent, coordinated, and a more effective U.N. presence” aimed at helping states to achieve the internationally agreed development goals,” said Thoraya Obaid, UNFPA’s executive director. Read: UN News Centre

ANGOLA: Symposium on Migration Held

Angola Press Agency reported July 14 that at a two-day symposium on migration, UNFPA Assistant Representative in Burkina Faso, Cecile Compaore, observed that the smooth management of migrations enables leaders to better organize development. “I am happy to note that Burkina Faso has chosen to take "its responsibilities concerning this phenomenon,” Compaore said. Read: Angola Press Agency

ASIA: UNFPA Preparing Countries to Deal with Ageing and Poverty

Voice of America reported July 11 that UNFPA is currently working with regional governments to help Asian countries deal with ageing and poverty. With many Asian nations too poor to fund large-scale public pensions and health care programs, Garimella Giridhar, an Asia expert with UNFPA in Bangkok, said, “In these countries that I am talking about – in Indonesia, in Vietnam – the government services are quite inadequate. And if people begin to depend on those non-existing services, that will be a major problem." The story also noted that UNFPA says the focus is shifting from traditional welfare-type pension programs to helping older people remain vital longer. Read: Voice of America

BANGLADESH: UNFPA Head Praises Bangladesh’s Development for Women

United News of Bangladesh reported July 18 on a letter to Prime Minister Khaleda Zia after a recent trip to Bangladesh, UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid said that free education and stipends for girls up to 12th class will improve socio-economic status of women in the country and accelerate economic development. Obaid added it will also contribute towards redefining the gender relationship in society. Obaid said Bangladesh, despite its many challenges, has posted enormous success in the field of gender equality and fertility decline. Read: United News of Bangladesh

BANGLADESH: Youth Workshop on Reproductive Health and Violence Prevention

The Daily Star reported July 18 that a workshop entitled “Ensuring reproductive health and prevention of violence against youth,” was organized by Nari Maitree, in collaboration with UNFPA. At the workshop, Dr. Rafikus Sultan of UNFPA said the reproductive health issue should be viewed as a right for youths. Read: Daily Star 

BANGLADESH: Country Representative Leaves Post

United News of Bangladesh reported July 10 that outgoing UNFPA Country Representative Suneeta Mukherjee, who worked at the post for five and a half years, expressed her highest job satisfaction in discharging her duties in Bangladesh and sang the country's praises for success in overall population sector. Suneeta said, "Bangladesh has successfully implemented UNFPA programs, including in reproductive health, and women and children's health in population sector." She thanked for government as well as the PM's personal cooperation in implementing the UNFPA programs in Bangladesh. Read: Financial Express

CHINA: Blind Rural Activist to Be Prosecuted

The Washington Post reported July 8 that the Chinese government is preparing to prosecute Chen Guangcheng, the blind rural activist who drew international attention to a violent crackdown on unauthorized births in Linyi last year, on charges of destruction of property and assembling a crowd to disrupt traffic. The story noted that UNFPA, which has a significant presence in China, has repeatedly raised Chen's case with the Chinese government, and senior U.S. officials have also pressed the government to release him. Read: The Washington Post 

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: Lack of Repercussions Leave Women and Girls Vulnerable

A July 6 story by IRIN noted that the lack of judges and police, combined with the general apathy of the public in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), leaves people vulnerable to crime, including rape. In the first three months of this year alone, NGOs reported more than 800 rape victims in the province, not including war-torn Ituri. "This is a new phenomenon," said Antoinette Kingwaya, head of UNFPA in Kisangani. "Rape has become part of our culture. Before the war we never heard of an 11-year-old raping an eight-year-old." Read: IRIN 

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: Family and Gender Violence Increases

Prensa Latina reported July 12 that according to UNFPA, the increase of  gender-based and family violence  is currently one of the most worrying affairs in the Dominican Republic with the number of murders of women by their partners increasing every day. UNFPA Representative Gilka Melendez said that this evil must be seen from a point of view of city security, since cases of family violence have an effect on families and human development. Read: Prensa Latina 

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: Women Are Less Advantaged than Men

El Caribe CDN reported on 19 July that UNFPA’s gender and masculinity expert, Mr. Luis Mora, indicated that practically in all countries around the world, gender inequalities leave women less advantaged over men. Read:  El Caribe CDN

FIJI: Reproductive Health Workshop for Sugar Corporation

Fiji Times reported July 20 that a reproductive health workshops with more than 120 Fiji Sugar Corporation workers was held around the country. The story noted that the ILO was looking at conducting similar workshops with other male-dominated companies in partnership with UNFPA. Read: Fiji Times

FIJI: Conference to Eradicate Poverty

Fiji Times reported July 3 that during the week-long conference for the Fiji Parliamentary Strengthening Project, politicians were urged to find immediate ways to fight and eradicate poverty. UNFPA Advisor Dr. Wame Baravilala said economic growth did not necessarily translate into poverty eradication. Also noted at the conference was that Fiji would not likely meet some of its Millennium Development Goals. Dr. Baravilala said once Fiji managed to tackle or bring poverty under control, it would be able to achieve all the other MDG goals. Read: Fiji Times

FIJI: Letter Urges Future Meetings to Be Held in Villages

Fiji Times ran a July 5 letter by Summer Kabakoro who wrote: “It was interesting to see the photo of Members of Parliament discussing poverty at the Warwick. Perhaps the government and the UNFPA should consider holding conferences like that in villages rather than fancy resorts and hotels. Ministries could pay for crab, fish, lobster, papaya and lolo buns at the same rate they pay for them in places as the Warwick. I personally know the people of Navola settlement on the Coral Coast put on a fine feast for visitors and would benefit greatly from the funds received. Sometimes it takes many small steps to reach one's destination.”

GUATEMALA: Further Efforts Needed to Combat Domestic Violence

Diario de Centro América and Prensa Libre reported July 5 that thanks to Guatemala’s First Lady’s social programs, 10,000 people found refuge and benefited from psychological, social and legal support initiatives. A UNFPA report presented by Nadine Gasman, UNFPA representative in Guatemala, revealed that further efforts are needed to encourage all segments of society to help combat domestic violence. Read: Diario de Centro, Prensa Libre 

GUYANA: Country’s Ability to Deal with Urban Migration

Stabroek News’ July 15 editorial examined Guyana’s ability to deal with the increase in rural to urban migration by reflecting on the 10-year anniversary of UNFPA’s State of the World Population 1996 report that dealt with the issue. Read: Stabroek News

INDIA: 5.7 Million Illegal Abortions Ever Year

Indo-Asian News Service reported July 16 that India records 5.7 million illegal abortions every year and over 80 percent of pregnant women do not get hygienic antenatal care. Sudha Tewari, president of Parivar Seva Sanstha and head of Advocating Reproductive Choices (ARC), said the acceptance of various contraceptive methods was still not widespread. The story noted that ARC is funded by the Packard Foundation with technical support from the WHO and UNFPA. Read: Indo-Asian News Service 

INDIA: Partnership to Fight against Declining Sex Ratio

A July 12 story by Express India noted that UNFPA in India has partnered with the Indian Medical Association to fight against the declining ratio of girls to boys in the state by organizing twelve workshops and seminars. “UNFPA is financing the seminars and sensitization drives of doctors,” said UNFPA Coordinator Dr. Prakash Deo. Read: Express India

LIBERIA: Workshop on HIV/AIDS

The Analyst reported July 4 that UNFPA and the Community Empowerment Program hosted a one-week training workshop on HIV/AIDS. The story noted that UNFPA carries out reproductive health activities within seven communities including Jacob's Town. Read: The Analyst 

LIBERIA: Reproductive Health Workshop Concludes

The Inquirer reported July 3 that a ten-day reproductive health workshop, dubbed "ROAD MAP," concluded. The workshop was organized by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and funded by UNFPA, the WHO and UNICEF. Read: The Inquirer 

MADAGASCAR: Reproductive Health Center Opened for Youth

L’Express de Madagascar reported July 14 on the opening of a UNFPA-supported health center in Tsiroanomandidy that focuses on adolescent reproductive health. Read: L’Express de Madagascar

MADAGASCAR: Increasing Sensitization of Reproductive Health and Family Planning

Madagascar Tribune reported July 3 on a UNFPA meeting in which participants agreed to intensify sensitization on reproductive health and family planning. The story noted UNFPA Representative Dr. Kris Valaydon and Director of Family Health from the Ministry of Health and Family Planning Dr. Perline Raharinirina spoke at the meeting.  

MALAWI: HIV Testing Week Held

The Nation reported July 14 that President Bingu wa Mutharika and the First Lady Ethel Mutharika are HIV free, while a third of Members of Parliament have already gone through voluntary counseling and testing for Malawi’s HIV Testing Week. UNFPA Country Representative Esperance Fundira said it supported Malawi in its effort to have people tested and find ways of assisting the victims as well as protecting those who are free of the virus. “Special concern is on the situation of girls whose risks are five times more than the boys because they have no power and are victims of certain traditions which encourage the spread of the virus,” said Fundira. Read: The Nation 

MALAYSIA: Project to Educate Young People on HIV/AIDS and STIs

A July 10 story by The New Straits Times found that Malaysia has to be more pragmatic about the HIV/AIDS situation in the country. The story noted that the Federation of Family Planning Associations, Malaysia (FFPAM) and the UNFPA have undertaken a three-year project aimed at "Protecting Young Malaysians from HIV and STIs." The pilot project covers four States – Kedah, Kelantan, Malacca and Penang – where 420 peer educators in 27 project sites have been trained to discuss "sensitive" issues like HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with their peers. Read: New Straits Times 

Another July 10 story by New Straits Times reported that despite years of public education on HIV/AIDS and other sexually-transmitted infections, a survey, "Knowledge, Attitude and Behavior of Young People on HIV and STIs Prevention," found that while many young people have mistaken ideas on how HIV and STIs are spread, one in three respondents did not know that using a condom can protect them from HIV and other STIs. The survey was conducted by FFPAM and funded by UNFPA.

MEXICO: Life of Guatemalan Indigenous Youth at Risk

CIMAC Noticias reported on 17 July that young indigenous people, especially women, constitute the most vulnerable segment of Guatemalan society when it comes to HIV/AIDS and high maternal mortality rates. Ms. Nadine Gassman, the UNFPA Representative in Guatemala confirmed this fact in her intervention “Youth and Development”, which she presented in light of International Population Day. Read:  CIMAC Noticias

MOLDOVA: Commitment to Population and Development

Moldova Suverana reported July 13 that DASECA Director Dr. Alaadin Morsy met with Moldova’s President H.E. Voronin and the Prime-Minister H.E. Tarlev to discuss Moldova’s commitment to the ICPD Programme of Action, the Millennium Development Goals and human rights. Officials also talked about cooperation with UNFPA to address population and development issues to ensure reproductive health and gender equality. Moldova’s support for the social issues has been reiterated in its country program for 2007-2011. The story noted that UNFPA has been asked to provide technical assistance to establish a National Commission on Population and Development. Read: Moldova Suverana 

NEPAL: New Democracy Has Yet to Give Women Bigger Role

Inter Press Service reported July 8 that after an alliance of Nepal’s seven parties (SPA) led hundreds of thousands of angry citizens to the streets to protest fourteen  months of direct rule by King Gyanendra, the monarch gave in, agreeing to restore the House of Representatives. Since the uprising, the parliament has made many proclamations, including one meant to signal a bigger role for women in a rejuvenated democratic Nepal. However, the proclamation's words still have yet to be passed into law, and its spirit has yet to infuse political leaders, say activists. The restored house is 95 percent male and the government's cabinet includes only one woman, Minister of State for Women Urmila Aryal, who has threatened to resign if ad hoc bodies like the constitution drafting committee are not reconstituted to include women. Women must be included on these committees, agreed UNFPA Representative in Nepal Junko Sazaki. "Government officials are saying there are no qualified women, but they just have to understand the legal process and reflect women's voices – that's all," she said in an interview. Read: Inter Press Service 

NEPAL: HIV/AIDS Hotline and Resource Center Launched

Xinhua General News Service reported July 5 that the Nepali National Hotline Service on HIV/AIDS and National Information Resource Center for HIV/AIDS were launched to provide free service to people seeking information on HIV/AIDS care, treatment and support. The National Center for AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Disease Control established and set up the hotline with support from the WHO, UNFPA and the Global Plus Private limited. Read: Xinhua General News Service, Himalayan Times 

NEPAL: Call for Women’s Participation in Peace Process 

Nepalnews.com reported July 3 that after meeting with a delegation from Women in Alliance, UNFPA Representative in Nepal Junko Sazaki asked the government, political parties and CPN-Maoists to increase women's representation in decision-making bodies dealing with the peace process. "Clearly the active participation of women was crucial to the success of the recent people's movement. For the peace process to also succeed, women's participation is absolutely necessary," said Sazaki. Read: Nepalnews.com 

NEPAL: Meeting on Uterine Prolapse

Xinhua General News Service reported July 11 that at a meeting called "Fallen womb: A hidden tragedy for women in Nepal," Rajendra Gurung, reproductive health expert for UNFPA said more than 600,000 women in Nepal are suffering from Uterine Prolapse. Gurung said, “A total of 106,000 among the women suffering from Uterine Prolapse need surgical repair in Nepal." The story described Uterine Prolepse as a condition where the uterus moves downward into the vaginal opening when the ligaments that support the uterus can no longer hold the organ in place, Gurung noted." It is caused by extensive physical labor, especially, during pregnancy, low availability of skilled birth attendants and rapid succession of pregnancies," Gurung said. Read: Xinhua General News Service

NICARAGUA: Nicaraguan Population Grows by 784,999 in the Last Decade

La Prensa reported July 1 that the Nicaraguan population grew by 784,999 in the last decade, a lower rate than expected. Pedro Pablo Villanueva, UNFPA representative in Nicaragua, stated that the Nicaraguan population grows by 78,000 per year. Read: La Prensa 

NIGERIA: Population Commission Stands behind Census Results

The Nigerian Tribune reported July 21 that the Chairman of National Population Commission Chief Samuila Danko Makama stood behind the results of the last census and said the findings will be released soon to Nigerians. Chief Makama added that international experts from the European Union, DFID, USAID and UNFPA were assisting the commission in obtaining credible result. Read: Nigerian Tribune 

NIGERIA: HIV Prevalence Rates Decline in Northern States

This Day reported July 3 that the three northern states, Kaduna, Gombe and Plateau that were earlier classified as having high HIV/AIDS prevalence for the last three years, have started recording marked reduction the spread of the disease. While briefing journalists, State Coordinator of the Plateau State Action Committee on AIDS (PLACA) Bala Rumtong said the drop in prevalence is due to increasing awareness about the disease. He said the state action committee through support from the World Bank, PEPFAR, UNFPA, ACTION and other donor groups contributed to sustained advocacy efforts for behavior change. In addition, PLACA has maintained a steady course in preventive measure campaigns as well as counseling. Read: This Day

NIGERIA: Government Urged to Mobilize HIV/AIDS Resources for Women and Girls

Daily Trust reported July12 that a report entitled "Women and HIV/AIDS, Confronting the Crisis" by UNIFEM, UNFPA and UNAIDS called on governments to mobilize and redirect resources to address the needs of women and girls, especially those affected by HIV/AIDS. Read: The Tide 

NIGERIA: States Coping without Global Fund’s $81 Million Grant

The Tide reported July 14 on the effects of Global Fund’s May 2006 decision to cancel its $81 million grant for Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS program. The story noted that Gombe state is in the process of setting up a formal structure for an HIV/AIDS campaign, courtesy of a $172 million World Bank. The state has also received support from UNFPA, UNICEF and UNDP. Read: The Tide 

PACIFIC: United Nations Minimizing Overlap and Competition among Agencies

PacNews reported July 10 that the United Nations is repositioning its status in the Pacific with fourteen U.N. agencies to achieve a common goal. United Nations resident coordinator in the Pacific Richard Dictus said these would help the United Nations better manage areas where their mandates overlap. If you take a look at health it is very clear that WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA work very closely on different health topics and that overlaps is something that used to happen, he said.

PAKISTAN: Opinion Piece Critical of National Population Program

Business Recorder ran a July 17 opinion piece by Wirasat Husnainwho criticized Pakistan’s national population program that “has failed to achieve its target of bringing population growth rate to 1.2 percent despite continued financial and technical support from the federal government, foreign donors and local non-profit organizations.” Husnain noted: “The break-up of funds for population control received by the government of Pakistan from the World Bank, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and other sources over these fifty years and spent on population control, is not readily available.” 

PAKISTAN: "Empowering Young People to Create Healthy Society"

Business Recorder reported July 9 that the Second Reproductive Health Initiative for Youth in Asia (RHIYA) was organized by the Society for the Advancement of Community, Health, Education and Training with support from the European Union and UNFPA. UNFPA Representative in Pakistan France Donnay praised RHIYA, which is making joint efforts with the social sector and NGOs, involving federal, provincial and district authorities, political leaders, religious leaders and community for lifting the youth matters under the objective of "empowering young people to create healthy society." 

The Nation reported July 8 that while speaking to the inaugural session of RHIYA, Development Advisor for European Commission in Pakistan Arshad Rasheed revealed that the European Commission will increase its investment in Pakistan’s social sector of 1.2 billion Euros by next year from its current's year level of 300 million. RHIYA’s objective is to improved adolescent reproductive health and overall well-being of young people and adolescents in Pakistan, said UNFPA Representative in Pakistan France Donnay.

PAKISTAN: Mobile Service Units Presented

Associated Press of Pakistan reported July 2 that UNFPA Country Representative France Donnay UNFPA handed over the key to two Mobile Service Units to Family Planning Association of Pakistan’s Chief Executive Shahida Azfar. During the presentation ceremony, Donnay said UNFPA has good collaboration and working relationship with the AJK Health department and Family Planning Association of Pakistan.  

PAKISTAN: Courses to Enhance Statistics Division

Balochistan Times reported July 8 that Secretary Statistics Division Asad Ellahi said strengthening the training wing of the Statistics Division would benefit provincial levels. The story noted that GTZ, UNFPA and DFID will provide financial assistance.  

PAKISTAN AND INDIA: Competition to Fill U.N. Post

The Press Trust of India reported July 7 on the contest between Pakistan and India to fill the U.N. Secretary General post. India has fielded Shashi Tharoor for the post, while Pakistan has floated several names, including that of its Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, U.N. Permanent Envoy Munir Akram, former UNFPA head Dr. Nafis Sadik and Pakistan's ambassador to the U.K. Maleeha Lodhi.  

PARAGUAY: A National Response to HIV/AIDS

Diario ABC reported July 7 that Dr. Raquel Child, UNFPA regional advisor on HIV/AIDS, traveled to Paraguay to help to help formulate a response to HIV/AIDS as a part of Paraguay’s National HIV/AIDS Program (Pronasida). Read: Diario ABC 

RUSSIA: Influx of Illegal Chinese Immigrants

The Nikkei Weekly (Japan) reported July 3 that an influx of illegal Chinese immigrants into Russia is getting larger in scale as more major Chinese companies are getting involved in surrounding countries. The story noted that Russia’s overall population, currently about 140 million, is expected to shrink to some 110 million in 2050, with population in places like the Russian Far East predicted to face a particularly steep contraction, according to UNFPA.

SIERRA LEONE: Media Alliance to Be Launched

Standard Times reported July 5 that Media Alliance for Population and Development Issues in Sierra Leone, created in partnership with UNFPA, is to be formally launched. Read: Standard Times 

SPAIN: UNESCO Solicits G-8 Members to Contribute Financially to Education Projects in Developing Countries

SPAIN: UN Report Indicates that Family Planning Stimulates the Economy

Deia and Merk2s reported on 20 July that, according to an UNFPA report presented by Mr. Rogelio Fernández-Castilla, women’s access to contraceptive methods increase reproductive health rates, reduce poverty and increase economic growth. Read: Deia, Merk2s

SWAZILAND: National Multi-Sector AIDS Policy Launched

Swaziland Observer reported July 12 that at the launch of the National Multi-Sector AIDS Policy, Deputy Prime Minister Albert Shabangu said at least 55 people are dying on a daily basis from the HIV/AIDS-related illnesses in the country. Dr. Agathe Lawson, UNFPA regional director, said, “This launch is coming after several key events which took place on the continent and more recently the African Union heads of state summit in Abuja where discussions on universal access by revising progress made since the Abuja Summit in 2001 and find ways to scale-up the programs in place were held.” Lawson pledged UNFPA’s technical support to Swaziland’s efforts in the HIV/AIDS response. Read: Swaziland Observer

SYRIA: Prime Minister Met with UNFPA Representative

SANA reported July 2 that Prime Minister Ottri met with UNFPA Representative in Damascus Lina Mahmoud Mousa to discuss future cooperation and the program of development of the western area. Read: SANA 

TIMOR-LESTE: Sweden Announces Humanitarian Relief Grant

ScandAsia reported July 5 that the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) announced a SEK10 million (approximately $135 million) contribution to humanitarian relief efforts in Timor Leste in the wake of the violence and unrest that have caused thousands of people to abandon their homes. SIDA’s grant will be channeled through UNICEF, UNDP and UNFPA in response to the consolidated appeal from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs for Timor Leste.

UGANDA: Government to Reward Medics in War-Ravaged Areas

The Monitor reported July 18 that the State Minister for Health Dr. Richard Nduhuura said the government will improve the welfare of medical personnel operating in war-ravaged areas. Nduhuura said according to a 2005 health and mortality survey report by the Ministry of Health, WHO, UNICEF, WFP, UNFPA and IRC on the internally displaced people in Gulu, Kitgum and Pader, the medical staff in the area work so hard. "I would like to thank in a special way the medical workers of my ministry who brave everyday in difficult conditions in Kitgum, Gulu and Pader to offer health services to the suffering people in these regions," Nduhuura said. Read: The Monitor 

UNITED STATES: Professor Calls for More Attention to World Population Growth

Duluth News-Tribune ran a July 8 op ed by Bernie Hughes, a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, who wrote, “I'm disheartened that little is written or discussed in the United States about the world's burgeoning population.” Hughes’ solution to population issues included: “In spite of the Catholic Church and right-wing political groups, we must intensify efforts to promote women's rights, to provide family planning to the more than 200 million women with an unmet need for contraception around the world. And we must stabilize world population. The Bush administration policy of "abstinence only" won't do; condoms should be available. And, we need to pay our share of the United Nations Population Fund because it supports countries that sometimes allow abortions.” The op ed concluded: “We need to lead the way in controlling the Earth's expanding population as seriously as we plan to control our borders. We need to stop being a part of the problem and begin to help solve the problem.” 

UZBEKISTAN: Workshop on Population and Development

UzReport.com reported July 13 that UNFPA held a workshop entitled "Key concepts of correlation between population and development and their use in socio-economic development planning" on July 7-9 at the Center of Socio-Economic Studies. "This seminar is a part of the UNFPA initiative in Uzbekistan on raising the awareness of those responsible for decision making concerning the issues of correlation between population and development," said UNFPA Representative in Uzbekistan Fuad Aliev. "One of our main goals is to attract the attention of top-level decision makers to the issues of population and development, raise their awareness about the population-related concepts and trends in Uzbekistan and Central Asia. Special attention is given to the issues of correlation between the population development and the issues of reproductive health, ender relations, living standards, regional development, education, etc. Moreover, the workshop is intended to create a platform for the cooperation between different state departments and agencies competent in the issues of population development." Read: UzReport.com 

VIETNAM: Youth Lacking Sex Education

Thanh Nien reported July 16 that a recent study on Vietnam’s 10-24-year-olds’ understanding of reproductive health and sexuality indicated that most had no formal sex education in school. “Vietnamese authorities should help the young feel healthy, not helpless, and provide them with information, rather than a lack of direction,” said Ian Howie, UNFPA representative in Vietnam. Read: Thanh Nien 

VIETNAM: Many Juveniles Sexually Abused

Vietnam News Briefs reported July 4 that up to 50 percent of sexually-abused people in Vietnam are juveniles, according to a UNFPA survey. The Vietnamese government recently approved a VND35 billion ($2.23 million) project to prevent child abuse and help victims.  

VIETNAM: Project Launched as Part of UNFPA’s $28 Million Commitment

Vietnam News Service reported July 11 on the launch of a project designed to deal with population and development as well as reproductive health and gender in Vietnam. During a workshop for the UNFPA-funded project, UNFPA Representative in Vietnam Ian Howie, said, "UNFPA is committed to joining hands with the government, other U.N. agencies, donors, NGOs, civil organizations and individuals to do our best to improve the quality of life in Vietnam.” The project is part of UNFPA’a four-year, $28 million commitment to Vietnam's population program. Read: Vietnam News Service

Voice of Vietnam reported July 10 that UNFPA agreed to grant more than $3.76 million in non-refundable aid to help the National Committee on Population, Family and Children implement the second phase of the national population strategy from 2006 to 2010. The project is part of the 2006-2010 UNFPA-Vietnam National Cooperation Program. Read: Voice of Vietnam 

YEMEN: Population Increase Strains Natural Resources and Development

Yemen Observer reported July 15 that the Yemen population will reach 35 million people by 2025, according to UNFPA. Read: Yemen Observer 

YEMEN: Meeting Discussed Bilateral Relations and Population Program

Yemen News Agency reported July 8 that Prime Minister Abdul-Qader Ba-Jammal held talks with UNFPA Resident Representative to Sana'a Hanz Obdeijn. The talks focused on bilateral relations between Yemen and the agency, especially in increasing the fund's contribution in carrying out population programs within framework of third five-year development plan 2006-2010.  

YEMEN: Public Health Minister and UNFPA Official Meet

Yemen News Agency reported July 19 that Public Health and Population Minister Abdul-Karim Yahya Rase met with UNFPA Country Representative in Sana'a Hanz Obdeijn to discuss the relationship between the Public Health Ministry and UNFPA in addition to continuing UNFPA-funded activities and programs.

 ZIMBABWE: Report Findings on Decline of HIV Prevalence Examined

AIDSMap.com reported July 5 at a session on ABC at a PEPFAR implementers meeting, Dr. Owen Murungi of Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health and Child Welfare shocked nearly everyone when he presented a report that found a dramatic decline in HIV prevalence during 2004. Murungi, “The big question to all of us was, is this real? What’s happened?” The story noted that a review was conducted to determine whether other available data corroborated the findings. The ministry pulled together data from 30 different sources including every available survey, records from antenatal clinics, PMTCT and VCT programs, census data, and clinical trials such as the ZVITAMBO (a large vitamin study) and the Manicaland studies. A meeting was then held to review the data with the government, and research and donor groups that included the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, USAID, DIFID, UNFPA, UNICEF, London’s Imperial College and the teams from the major local clinical trials). Read: AIDSMap.com 

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