UNFPA IN THE NEWS — NOVEMBER 18-DECEMBER 3, 2006

WORLD AIDS DAY OBSERVANCES

UN News Centre reported December 1 that senior U.N. officials marked World AIDS Day with calls for international leaders to maintain recent momentum and make good on their promises to ensure greater access to treatment, prevention and support. The story noted that UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid saw signs of hope among the young, mentioning that HIV prevalence rates among youth have fallen in several countries because of increased condom use and other behavioral changes. Read: UN News Centre

Bangladesh: United News of Bangladesh reported November 30 during World AIDS Day observances, UNFPA Country Representative Pornchai Suchitta would attend as chief guest at the discussion meeting to be held at 10:30am with UNB Chairman and Amra Kuri Advisor Amanullah Khan in the chair.

Ethiopia: The Daily Monitor reported December 3 that former U.S. Secretary of State Madeline K. Albright, one of the Save the Children-Ethiopia Guests of Honors at the World AIDS Day event, said it was the governments and its citizen's responsibility to create an environment in which children's rights are secured and their future ensured. Other guests of honors included UNFPA Ambassador Ethiopian Olympic Gold Medalist Meseret Defar.

Georgia: REGNUM reported December 1 that according to UNFPA’s Georgia Country Office, the official number of HIV/AIDS infected in Georgia has reached 1,095 cases. UNFPA and the E.U. are supporting this joint project “Reproductive Health of Young People.” Read: regnum.ru/Ru, The Messenger

Haiti: Inter Press Service reported November 30 that despite decades of hard work in the fight against HIV/AIDS, Haiti's HIV researchers and activists are bumping up against a strong countervailing force: deep-seated gender inequality. Gheskio psychologist Nathalie Coicou, who works with pregnant women who have tested positive for HIV, says most of her clients were infected by an unfaithful partner. The story noted that lately, Coicou has had to suspend her work with pregnant women because her caseload has grown so heavy in another category: rape victims. The story mentioned that several organizations provide rape victims with "sexual violence kits," assembled by UNFPA, which include prophylactic antiretrovirals, but many victims don't realize such a thing is available. Read: Inter Press Service

India: Hindustan Times reported December 1 that the findings of a field research study conducted by Uttar Pradesh Voluntary Health Association were released on World AIDS Day. The study found that despite the efforts by governments and social organizations in creating awareness about HIV/AIDS, the young are dismally unaware about the facts. Jashodhara Dasgupta of Sahayog was quoted as saying youths should be the main target group for HIV-prevention awareness programs as they are the most sexually active group. Citing a UNFPA report, she said, of the 2.5 million new HIV infections increasing every year globally, those in the 15-24 age groups account half of it.

Jordan: Jordan Times reported November 29 that to mark World AIDS Day, Jordan launched its national strategy to improve the country's response to HIV/AIDS. The event, marking World AIDS Day, was organized in cooperation with UNAIDS and the USAID. UNAIDS is comprised of the efforts and resources of 10 U.N. agencies that include UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank.

Kenya: East African Standard reported December 2 that Muslim leaders in Mombasa joined hands in the fight against HIV/AIDS with five officials of the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) who were on tested for HIV on World AIDS Day. CIPK Secretary General, Sheikh Mohammed Dor said his organization aimed to sensitize Muslims on the importance of knowing their HIV status. The story noted that Sheikh Dor said CIPK and UNFPA have established five voluntary counseling and testing centers.

Nepal: The Himalayan Times reported December 1 that UNFPA and Amnesty International have emphasized the need to adopt a ‘human rights-based approach’ to deal with AIDS. Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, UNFPA executive director, said in a World AIDS Day message, “We know that prevention remains the first line of defense and must be expanded alongside treatment and the measures to eliminate discrimination against people living with HIV must be in place and enforced.” Obaid urged governments, communities, organizations and individuals to take action to prevent new cases of HIV infection and protect rights of people living with HIV/AIDS.

Pakistan: The Pakistan Newswire reported November 30 that UNAIDS Pakistan and United Nations co-sponsoring agencies launched an “Association of people living with HIV/AIDS” (PLHIV) to build capacity and empower the affected people. The ceremony launching the report was attended by Country Director UNAIDS Dr. Aldo Landi, UNFPA Representative Dr. France Donnay, Deputy Program Manager National AIDS Control Program Nasir Sarfraz and Special Representative UNAIDS Salman Ahmad.

The Nation reported November 30 that at a program entitled “Association of People Living with HIV/AIDS,” the Pakistani government reported about 3,500 cases with HIV. However, the number of cases could be as many as 210,000, said Country Director UNAIDS Dr. Aldo Landi. He was joined by UNFPA Representative Dr. France Donnay, Deputy Program Manager National AIDS Control Program Nasir Sarfraz and Special Representative UNAIDS Salman Ahmad.

Russia: REGNUM reported December 1 that South Caucasus Youth Festival dedicated to the World AIDS Day was organized by UNFPA with E.C. co-financed project Reproductive Health Initiative for Youth in the South Caucasus (RHIYC). A series of activities was be held during the festival: youth bus tour in high schools, during which experts will speak about AIDS and AIDS prevention.  An unidentified UNFPA spokesperson said, “South Caucasus Youth Festival is one of the most significant events among campaigns being held worldwide dedicated to the World AIDS Day.” Read: REGNUM

West Africa: UN News Center reported December 1 that more than 80 youth representatives from 10 West African countries attending a United Nations-backed conference pledged to help their peers throughout the region by taking steps to improve sexual and reproductive health, encourage education, work towards poverty alleviation and promote peace. "Young people are our active partners in development," UNFPA Representative Guy De Araujo said. "Without their leadership, we can not possibly hope to achieve the realization of the MDGs in West Africa." Read: UN News Centre

Zimbabwe: Xinhua General News Service reported November 30 that the Zimbabwean government signed a $40 million agreement with multiple bilateral donors and six U.N. agencies to support the national AIDS response in the country over the next three years. U.N. agencies providing technical support include UNAIDS, UNICEF, UNFPA, WHO, UNDP and IOM. Read: Xinhua General News Service

INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

Agence France-Presse reported November 24 that on the eve of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, UNFPA’s Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid pressed for world action to protect women's rights and eradicate violence against women, including "honor" killings, genital mutilation and gang rape. "We are working with partners to end impunity, to promote and protect the rights of women, including the right to sexual and reproductive health, and to foster equal opportunity, participation and decision-making," said Obaid. UNFPA joined organizations around the world to focus greater attention on such pervasive human rights violations and make recommendations, including legislative reforms and providing safe havens for girls escaping forced marriages. Read: Agence France-Presse, UN News Centre: Nov. 27, Nov. 28

Voice of America ran a November 20 segment with Pamela Delargy, chief of UNFPA’s Humanitarian Response Unit, coinciding with the 16-day violence against women campaign. She said, "A lot of violence against women goes unnoticed and hidden, kept private, partly because of the stigma, partly because a lot of times this kind of violence is sanctioned in the local society, and some women and girls grow up thinking this is a normal part of life." Delargy said UNFPA is working with governments, local authorities and civil society across Africa to prevent violence and support victims. She added one of their efforts is to lobby parliamentarians to change legislation discriminating against women, including laws targeting sexually assaulted or exploited women. Read: Voice of America: Nov. 20a, Nov. 20b

Africa: Pana Press reported November 24 that UNFPA granted $3.5 million to 17 countries to combat violence against women. The grants will be used to support new policies and laws through providing training to government institutions and law makers, public awareness and capacity building to NGOs. Read: Pana Press

Armenia: ARMINFO News Agency reported November 24 Consuelo Vidal, U.N. Resident Coordinator/UNDP Resident Representative, and Artsvik Minasyan, Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Issues held a press conference to launch the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence campaign in Armenia. The story noted that the campaign, a joint effort of the UN Resident Coordinator, UNDP Armenia Gender and Politics program, UNDP Armenia Anti-trafficking project, UNIFEM, UNFPA and UNAIDS, was conducted by the "Peace Coalition" – a network that unites more than 35 CSOs dealing with women's and/or gender issues.

Azerbaijan: Azertaz reported November 23 that the final conference of the project “To Stop Violence Against Women” was organized by the State Committee on Family, Women and Children Problems, UNFPA and the Youth Organization of Refugees and IDPs. At the conference, lectures were delivered on the violence against women. Read: Azertaz

Trend reported November 23 that Hijran Huseynova, the chairman of the State Committee on Family, Woman and Child Problems, stated at the final conference on the project “Stop violence against Women” that many Azerbaijani women are unaware of their rights. The story noted that the project was carried out jointly with the State Commission, UNFPA, Youth Organization of Refugees and Internally Displaced People. Read: Trend, The Day,Interfax

Belarus: Rebenok reported December 3 on the campaign against domestic violence in Belarus that was organized by U.N. agencies and coordinated by UNFPA. Read: Rebenok

Ghana: Graphic Ghana reported November 30 that at the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid said, “As we commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the aspirations of all humanity should be that every woman and girl should live in a home where she is free from the threat of violence and every girl should be able to attend school without the risk of abuse.” Read: Graphic Ghana

Kenya: East African Business Week reported November 20 that UNIFEM led a consortium of U.N. agencies and other organizations to mobilize $50,000 to be spent on 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. The funds were contributed by members of the U.N. Rwanda country team and others that includes: FAO, ILO, IMF, MONUC, UNAIDS, UNDP, UNECA, UNESCO, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNIFEM, UNHCR, World Bank, WFP and WHO.

Morocco: Magahrebia reported November 28 that the Moroccan State Secretariat for the Family, Children and Handicapped People, with UNFPA marked this year's World Day Against Violence against Women by organizing the 4th awareness-raising campaign. Moroccan Prime Minister Driss Jettou launched the campaign.  Read: Magahrebia

Nepal: The Himalayan Times reported November 29 that Junko Sazaki, UNFPA Representative in Nepal said that UNFPA is focusing on ending violence against women in this year’s 16-Day Activism Campaign, in a statement released by UNFPA for the National Consultation on Human Defenders. Junko Sazaki added that women human rights defenders are in prime position to monitor and advocate against gender based violence in Nepal and that they are key players in advocating for women’s participation and protection more broadly. The statement also mentioned the importance of using the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 for the inclusion of women at all levels of the peace building process.

Somalia: BBC Somalia reported November 25 on the most common violations against women in Somalia, such as FGC/FGM, SGBV including domestic violence, and the persisting “gender injustice” in the decision making processes, and in education and legal systems. BBC Somalia mentioned that “the campaign takes place in the context of a joint UNIFEM, UNFPA and UNDP program on gender mainstreaming in Somalia” and “the on-going campaign will involve public debates and workshops for decision makers on gender issues, as well as awareness raising of the community in the form of drama and street theater by local and international NGOs”.

Sudan: Suna News Agency reported November 25 that to mark the occasion, the Commissioner of Women and Children Affairs in South Darfur State Samia Ali Ahmed Ibrahim pointed out that the state committee for combating violence against women will organize an intensive campaign for combating violence against women and AIDS from November 25 to December 10 under the auspices of the Wali (governor) of South Darfur State, Engineer Al-Haj Attal-Manan, in collaboration with UNFPA.

Yemen: Al Ayyam reported November 24 that two national days were dedicated to raise awareness in Lahaj governorate in Yemen. This project was launched under the patronage of the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs in cooperation with UNFPA. It aims at supporting women's issues in combating violence. Read: Al Ayyam

Film Festival Marking Violence Against Women Campaign

Agence France-Presse reported November 25 on the first annual pan-African film festival promoting public awareness of gender-based violence. The film festival, held in Dakar, was sponsored by UNFPA, the Senegalese government and local non-governmental organizations. It also coincides with November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. “We hope that the festival will allow women to come forward and say 'I was a victim, and I need help,'" said Alia Nankoe, a UNFPA program officer who came up with the idea for the pan-African film festival.

UN News Centre reported November 28 that at the UNFPA-sponsored film festival in Dakar, a Zimbabwean director, Tawanda Gunda-Mupengo, took first prize and received $1,000 for his film, Spell My Name. The film tells the story of a young teacher who discovers that one of her students has been sexually abused by the school’s headmaster. UNFPA’s representative in Senegal, Suzanne Maiga-Konate, said a “culture of silence” across Africa has helped to stigmatize and discriminate against the victims of gender-based violence. Many rapes go unreported because victims fear ostracism from their local community and an unsympathetic legal system.” She added: “We want an end to society’s rejection of these victims to promote an environment where survivors can alleviate their distress and seek justice.”

Aside from film screenings, the festival held panel discussions that included lawmakers, religious leaders and journalists. The films were also shown at local centers for adolescents and will then travel to Senegal’s rural regions of Tambacounda, Kolda and Matam, before heading to other African nations. Alia Nankoe, a UNFPA program officer and one of the festival’s organizers, said “we want these films to go to other African countries to make others aware of the issues and reduce the stigma associated with the epidemic of violence the continent is facing.” Read: UN News Centre

Training for Journalists Reporting on Gender Issues

Voice of America ran a November 24 segment on UNFPA’s training for local journalists to bolster their reporting on gender issues. During the training, 20 journalists, representing seven African countries shared their experience covering violent crimes against women.

UPDATE ON KAKENYA NTAIYA’S JOURNEY FOR GIRLS’ EDUCATION IN KENYA

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette ran a November 26 feature story on Kakenya Ntaiya’s journey thus far from Kenya to the United States in the name of girls’ education. The story mentioned The Washington Post’s 2004 four-part series about her life and her views on female equity, child marriage and female genital mutilation. Among those moved by the series was Kathy Bonk, Executive Director at the Communications Consortium Media Center in Washington, D.C. Ms. Bonk attended a conference, where Ms. Ntaiya was on a panel with United Nations Undersecretary-General Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, executive director of the United Nations Population Fund. Afterward, Ms. Ntaiya told Ms. Bonk she didn't have a job. Ms. Bonk turned to Ms. Obaid, who said she had decided already to hire Ms. Ntaiya the following fall as her organization's first youth adviser. Read: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

LANCET PUBLISHES THIRD ARTICLE IN SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SERIES

The November 18 issue of The Lancet featured the third in a series of six articles about sexual and reproductive health by John Cleland, Stan Bernstein of UNFPA, Alex Ezeh, Anibal Faundes, Anna Glasier, Jolene Innis. The article examined why family-planning promotion should be reinstated as a priority in most of the poorest countries of the world and where fertility and population growth remain high. Authors argue that achievement of MDGs is dependent to a large extent on success in addressing population issues and stress that no other individual medical intervention has such a broad span of potential benefits.

The Guardian ran a November 24 column by Sarah Boseley on The Lancet’s series on sexual and reproductive health that shows the consequences of moral superiority are grave – not only in the fight against AIDS but across the whole field of sexual and reproductive health. Boseley noted, “We have the U.S. preaching abstinence from sex as the answer to AIDS in Africa and refusing funds to any family planning clinics across the world that provide abortions or even counsel women about them.” Bosely added, “The U.S. government cut off all its $2.5m funding for the World Health Organization's department of reproductive health and research in 2002, at roughly the same time that it cancelled its $34 million funding of the U.N.'s Population Fund, the UNFPA, which says women have a human right to contraception and reproductive health.” Boseley concluded: “These things, just like unmentionable diseases, have to do with the dark side of sex, and those who suffer most are women - impoverished, low-status, voiceless women. It's time we really talked about sex. This is going to be a hard fight, but it's one we should be proud to take on.” Read: The Guardian

LANCET PUBLISHES STUDY ON RATES OF COMPLIATIONS IN FIRST TRIMESTER MANUAL VACUUM ASPIRATION ABORTION

The December 2 issue of The Lancet ran a study that assessed whether the safety of first-trimester manual vacuum aspiration abortion done by health-care providers who are not doctors (mid-level providers) is equivalent to that of procedures done by doctors in South Africa and Vietnam, where mid-level providers are government trained and accredited to do first-trimester abortions. The study was developed, coordinated, and funded by the UNDP/UNFPA/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction at WHO, Geneva, Switzerland.

INTERNATIONAL PARLIAMENTARIANS’ CONFERENCE ON POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT IN BANGKOK

Inter Press Service reported November 23 that the fifth Millennium Development Goal to aid women "will not be reached in many countries because of a lack of implementation of national laws and a lack of resources to fund programs the laws call for," said Thoraya Obaid, head of UNFPA, at the Third International Parliamentarians' Conference in Bangkok. This goal – to reduce by three-quarters the maternal mortality ratio, given the estimates that over half a million women die every year during pregnancy or childbirth – is one of eight targets the world's nations pledged to meet at a U.N. summit in 2000. A major problem is the slow progress among developing countries to implement laws that guarantee maternal health care and reproductive health rights, Obaid said at the conference on population and development goals, attended by 180 parliamentarians from 103 countries. "If there were laws, we can hold governments accountable. But if there were no laws you cannot hold them to anything." Read: Inter Press Service

Ahead of the Third International Parliamentarians' Conference, The Bangkok Post ran a November 21 op ed by UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid who stressed that “promoting reproductive health and rights is critical to [the] success” of developing countries achieving the Millennium Development Goals by 2015. She explained that parliamentarians from all regions of the world are meeting to take stock of efforts to implement the 1994 Programme of Action that was produced at the International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo. Obaid noted: “Parliamentarians are key advocates for human rights and people's needs. They can and must play a key role in mobilizing action and resources for countries to achieve international development goals, including reducing poverty, improving maternal and reproductive health, combating HIV/AIDS and advancing gender equality.”

Rwanda: The New Times reported November 20 that Senator Odette Nyiramirimo was the Rwanda representative at the November 21 ICPD conference, sponsored by UNFPA. Read: The New Times

Thailand: On November 20 Thai Press Reports ran an article on Thailand’s Her Royal Highness Princess Sirindhorn presiding over the opening ceremony of the UNFPA-sponsored Third International Parliamentarians' Conference on November 21st at 9 AM.

MOHAMAD TAHA AL-TOM PASSES

Asharq Alawsat reported November 18 that the most well known AIDS infected person in Arab countries and North Africa, Mohamad Taha Al-tom, passed away in Sudan by a heart attack. International AIDS organizations, including UNFPA on him to tell his story about his struggle with AIDS for the past twenty years. Read: Asharq Alawsat

AFRICA: 2007 Humanitarian Appeal Launched

The Leadership reported December 4 that the 2007 Humanitarian Appeal of 140 international organizations, including UNFPA, has appealed to the world community to aid the urgent reproductive health needs of refugees and internal displaced persons, and to prevent pregnancy-related deaths, HIV infection and sexual violence.

ASIA: AFPPD Appoints New President

Bernama reported November 21 that Malaysia’s Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah has been appointed as the new president for the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD) for the 2006-2009 session. The story noted that the Thailand-based international organization formed through UNFPA’s 1981 initiative in Beijing.

BOLIVIA: Parents go to a School to Approach their Children

La Razón reported November 28 on a UNFPA project that addresses adolescent alcoholism, drugs and unintended pregnancies. Read: La Razón

BOTSWANA: New Chairperson Needed for Youth Organization

The Gazette reported December 1 that the Minister of Labor and Home Affairs Retired Major General is being forced to choose a new chairperson for the Botswana National Youth Council (BNYC) because the current Board is at an impasse with management and the Ministry. The story noted that BNYC receives an annual grant from government and financial assistance from UNFPA and other organizations. Read: The Gazette

BRAZIL: HIV/AIDS Cases among Youth on the Rise

UN Radio reported November 21 that the HIV prevalence rate among girls aged 13-19 in Brazil is a major concern. The story mentioned a UNFPA-supported project which helps train young radio broadcasters in raising awareness about the problem, and disseminates information about HIV prevention efforts for youth. Read/Listen: UN Radio

CAMBODIA: Germany Supports Population Census

Vietnam News Service reported November 27 that the German government provided more than 1 million Euro for Cambodia’s population census. The aid was channeled by UNFPA.

CHINA: Condom Use Program Scheduled for Lanzhou

Xinhua General News Service reported November 22 that Lanzhou, capital city of Northwest China's Gansu Province, is planning to launch a program, 100 percent Condom Use Program (CUP), to reduce HIV/AIDS infections among high-risk people. The program makes condoms compulsory for all sex workers in the city at all times and in every entertainment venue. The CUP is also being trialed in Liuzhou City of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region with the support UNFPA and the State Family Planning Commission.

COTE D'IVOIRE:  Adolescent Reproductive Health

Fraternite Matin reported November 21 that 26 adolescent NGOs, with UNFPA support, have organized to promote information about reproductive health among adolescents in the country.

FIJI: Secondary School Produces Peer Education Pamphlet

Fiji Times reported November 30 that Nasinu Secondary School became the first school to produce the peer education pamphlet. The story noted that the pamphlet said that a study among students in 2001 found that 30 percent of those interviewed from forms 5-7 had taken alcohol and some form of drugs. UNFPA Deputy Representative Giulia Vallese acknowledged the school for spearheading the peer education program in the country. Read: Fiji Times

GAMBIA: Country Launches State of World Population Report

The Daily Observer reported December 1 that the UNFPA office in Banjul launched its State of the World Population 2006 at the Paradise Suits Hotel. Fadzai Gwaradzimba, UNFPA representative in Gambia revealed that this year's State of the World Population Report on women and international migration described the report as a call to action to improve the situation of women migrants, who make up half of all international migrants worldwide. "The report further shows that while migrants can open new doors to a world of greater equality and opportunity, it can also lead to terrible human rights violation cases. From the enslavement of trafficking victims to the exploitation and abuse of domestic workers, million of female migrants face hazards that must be urgently addressed."

GEORGIA: Building reproductive health and gender equality in Georgia

The Messenger reported November 20 that UNFPA evaluated the first-year's results of Georgia’s national program encompassing reproductive health, population development and gender equality as its major components. UNFPA Assistant Representative Tamar Khomasuridze stated that the first year's results have been assessed as "highly satisfactory and exceeding expectations." Khomasuridze added, "Our 2006-2010 program falls in line with ongoing reforms in Georgia and it fully responds to national priorities, in particular in the field of reproductive health." Read: The Messenger

INDIA: Teachers Awarded for Raising Awareness on HIV/AIDS

The Hindu reported December 2 that at the Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development M.A.A. Fatmi celebrated 25 teachers from across the country were awarded for their efforts in implementing the Adolescence Education Program (AEP) — an initiative of the National AIDS Control Organization and the Department of Education to prevent new HIV infections and reduce social vulnerability to the infection — in their schools. The AEP is supported by UNESCO, UNICEF and UNFPA. Read: The Hindu

JORDAN: Workshop on Statistics

Jordan News Agency reported November 21 that the news agency hosted a workshop on statistics in conjunction with the Department of Statistics, the Bank Association and UNFPA. UNFPA Assistant Representative Mona Idris said that the workshop aimed to build capacities at the institutional and technical levels.

MALAWI: UNFPA Official Reveals Market Share of Female Condoms Low

The Daily Times reported November 29 that at a regional meeting on condom programming organized by the Ministry of Health and UNFPA, UNFPA Representative Esperance Fundira said the total market share of female condoms remain at only 3 percent despite high demand in high HIV prevalence settings like Malawi. Read: The Daily Times

MIDDLE EAST: Forum on Women, Peace and Security

Al Ahram reported November 21 on the regional forum for Women, Peace and Security organized by the women’s movement for peace that was organized in collaboration with UNFPA, UNIFEM, the World Bank, UNDP and UNICEF’s regional office for Arab states.  Dr. Faysal Abdel Gadir, UNFPA representative, said UNFPA is supporting civil society and other partners to implement the U.N. resolution, especially in Lebanon, Sudan and with peace keeping forces. 

MONGOLIA: Mongolia Office Establishes Youth Advisory Panel 

Today Daily reported November 23 that UNFPA’s Mongolia office is among the first country offices to establish a Youth Advisory Panel. The Youth Advisory Panel consists of four girls and three boys who are committed to the well being of their peers.  

MOZAMBIQUE: Menina Biz Program Incorporates Soccer and Girls’ Empowerment

TVM reported December 3 on a girls’ soccer team from Zambézia province in North of Mozambique that participated in the “menina biz program.” In addition to playing soccer, the program encouraged young girls to continue studying, and prevent early pregnancies. Prior to the game, Petra Lantz, and Rati Ndlovu UNFPA representative and deputy representative of UNFPA, respectively, took part in a special soccer game which aimed to educate women and youth on the fight against discrimination, sexual abuse, and to promote the gender bases.

NEPAL: UNFPA Provides Condoms for Refugees

The Katmandu Post reported November 25 that UNFPA Nepal handed over some 700,000 male condoms and 5,000 female condoms to UNHCR, as part of their global agreement to address reproductive health information and service for refugees. The UNHCR, together with UNFPA aims to increase refugees’ awareness on family planning and protection against sexually transmitted disease. “Enabling access to condoms is a key component in ensuring that every community and every person has the necessary tools to make informed choices and empowered decisions,” said Junko Sazaki, UNFPA Representative to Nepal. The Rising Nepal and The Rajdhani Daily also reported on this story.

NEPAL: Uterine Prolapse a Major Problem: Study

The Himalayan Times reported November 30 that a study funded by UNFPA and WHO  and conducted by the Institute of Medicine stated that one in every 10 Nepali women in reproductive age suffer from uterine prolapse, also known as fallen womb. Women as young as 20 years old suffer from this condition. “The reproductive health needs of Nepali women have been ignored for too long,” said Junko Sazaki, UNFPA Representative in Nepal at a function organized to disseminate the findings of the study. “We all need to work together to improve Nepali women’s sexual and reproductive health, and rights,” Sazaki added. The study – Reproductive Health Morbidity Needs Assessment in Nepal – was conducted with the objective of determining the magnitude of the reproductive health morbidity in Nepal.

NIGER: Mid Term Review of the Country Programme Action Plan of Cooperation

Le Sahel  reported Novemer 23 that the mid term review of the country programme action plan (CPAP) of cooperation Niger-UNFPA took place in Niamey on the 20th  and 21st  of November 2006 with the participation of  ministries involved in the programme, international partners, representatives of NGO’s and associations. During the opening session UNFPA Representative, Mrs Marlene François Lays, gave an overview of the principles results obtained by the programme over the last 3 years such as a better knowledge of the socio-demographic situation in Niger, the involvement of the political sphere in population related issues, the adoption by the Parliament of a law on reproductive health and an increased awareness of gender inequalities.

NIGERIA: UNFPA Commended for Sexual and Reproductive Health Services

The Tide reported December 3 that at the opening of the 2006 Annual Review meeting of UNFPA-Assisted Edo State Population and Development Program, the Edo State Special Adviser to the Governor on Economic Matters, Chief Douglas Efosa Usoh, said the agency, through promoting improved reproductive health services, gender advocacy, equity, HIV/AIDS campaigns and other numerous activities, had a positive impact on the state. Also speaking, UNFPA Country Representative Salma Burton praised the efforts of the state government in paying its GCCC and supporting the activities of the agency in Edo State. Read: The Tide

The Tide reported November 20 that at the 2006 Annual Review, Secretary to the Rivers State Government Moses A. Aduma said in a statement that UNFPA’s interventions in the areas of community reproductive health services, family life and health education, population and development planning as well as gender advocacy, among others, are very much appreciated. Read: The Tide

NIGERIA: President Olusegun Commits to Reducing Maternal Mortality

The Champion reported November 25 that at the 7th International Conference of the society of Gynecologists and Obstetric of Nigeria, Nigeria's President Olusegun Obasanjo declared that the vital aspect of his administrations policy and program is to reduce the high rate of maternal and child morbidity and mortality. President Obasanjo thanked partners and other stakeholders including UNFPA for assisting the country in improving the health sector and reminded participants of the need to achieve the MDGs.

PAKISTAN: International Conference on Reducing Maternal and Neonatal Mortality

Business Recorder reported November 21 that at the international conference on “Best Practices for Scaling-up Reproductive Health and Family Planning Programs and Reducing Maternal and Neonatal Mortality,” Federal Population Welfare Minister Shahbaz Hussain said the country’s population growth rate is alarming and unless the rate decreases, the country cannot escape poverty web. The story noted that UNFPA Country Representative, Dr. France Donnay, said that South Asian region confronted with the problems of population growth, poverty, poor health, shortage of safe drinking water, malnutrition and deteriorating environment and to control population growth rate was a matter of grave concern in developing countries. Dr. Attiya Inayatullah, President Emeritus, Rehnuma, Family Planning Association, Pakistan said that the UNFPA-RETA six-country program reaffirms key components for improvement of maternal health to meet the high family planning's unmet needs through increased accessibility to quality family welfare services, introduce skilled and well trained female staff at community level, provide access to pre-birth and post-birth maternal care.

The Nation reported November 21 that at the conference, Federal Minister for Health Muhammad Nasir Khan said that all rural health units would be upgraded to make family planning services available. The story noted that the UNFPA representative highlighted the role of political leadership and suggested the increase of women’s participation in the labor force.

PAKISTAN: Annual Population Research Conference

The Pakistan Newswire reported November 29 that the three-day seventh Annual Population Research Conference arranged by Population Association of Pakistan in collaboration with UNFPA, USAID and DFID began with scholars and policymakers from across the globe in attendance.

The Pakistan Newswire reported November 30 that experts at conference on population stressed the need to carry out further research on population in order to produce effective strategies for Pakistan’s population. The seventh annual population research conference on Population at the crossroads of development was organized by Population Association of Pakistan in collaboration with USAID, DFID, UNFPA and Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology University of Peshawar.

PAKISTAN: Training for Household Survey

Pakistan Newswire reported November 26 that the Federal Bureau of Statistics Wing has launched a two-week training program on 'Sampling Techniques with reference to Household Survey.' The course has been organized by Statistics Division in collaboration with UNFPA, GTZ, DFID and ILO.

PALESTINE: Reproductive Health Workshop

Palestine News Network reported November 28 that the northern West Bank town of Araba hosted a reproductive health workshop organized by the Association for the Development and Welfare of Children and Young People in Palestine. Workshops will be held for five months at the Araba Youth Club. University graduates are eligible for five days of training and planning sessions to lead the classes funded by UNFPA.  Read: Palestine News Network

PERU: Japan Donates Funding for Health and Education

Agence France-Presse reported November 23 that Japan will donate $2 million to improve health and education services for women and children in the impoverished Andean provinces of Ayacucho and Apurimac, Peru's foreign ministry said. The programs will be implemented by the World Health Organization, the Pan American Health Organization, UNICEF and UNFPA.

SUDAN: Conferences Help Women Bring Peace 

Christian Science Monitor reported November 21 on a recent four-day workshop in Khartoum, Sudan organized by the Initiative for Inclusive Security to include women's voices in bringing peace to Darfur, and in efforts to rebuild Southern Sudan. The story noted that conferences like this one in Khartoum offer a chance for Sudanese women to overcome some of the problems unique to their country, added Maha Muna, Sudan coordinator for UNFPA. "With sanctions and the long war in the south, it means that women's organizations have been cut off from other organizations around the world, but this work brings their voices together with the international women's movement in a way that is really powerful," she said. Read: Christian Science Monitor

SUDAN: Fifth Census Scheduled from November through February

Suna News Agency reported November 21 that the Fifth Census is schedule to last from November through February. The story noted that UNFPA and a number of donor countries will also participate in the census.

Suna News Agency reported November 19 that the General Director of the Central Bureau of Statistics, UNFPA Representative and Chairman of the Information Committee of Fifth Population Census, Abdal-Dafie Al-Khatib, are scheduled to attend the opening ceremony.

TANZANIA: Investment in Youth Needed to Achieve MDGs

The Guardian reported November 30 that at an annual seminar on Current Issues on Population and Development, UNFPA Deputy Country Representative Christopher Mwai Jonga advised African leaders to focus and invest in young people in order to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Read: The Guardian

TURKEY: Conference to End Domestic Violence

The Hürriyet reported November 18 on the second international conference on the campaign to “End Domestic Violence” that began at Istanbul’s Bahçeşehir University. The conference, organized in partnership with UNFPA, was a joint effort by the Istanbul governor’s office, CNN Türk and Hürriyet’s education foundation. Read: The Hürriyet

TURKEY: Germany Contributes to UN Project

Turkish Daily News reported December 2 that the German government has extended support to a U.N.-led project aimed at helping strengthen the rights of women and girls in Turkey. An agreement was signed between the German Ambassador Eckart Cuntz and UNFPA Representative in Turkey Tunga Tüzer. The German Foreign Ministry contributed approximately 14,000 euros for the project under the deal. UNFPA plans to hold a four-day workshop during December 6-9 in Ankara to discuss protecting women and girls. Read: Turkish Daily News

TURKMENISTAN: National Strategy on Reproductive Health

The Times of Central Asia reported November 23 that the conference hall of Nisa hotel opened a two-day meeting on implementation of the national strategy of Turkmenistan for reproductive health in the coming years. The meeting was attended by representatives of Turkmenistan's healthcare system, leading specialists from largest medical centers and clinics of the country, scientific-research institutes, UNICEF, USAID, UNFPA, Zdrav Plus and UNAIDS. Read: Turkmenistan  

UGANDA: UNFPA Commended for Supporting Reproductive Health Projects

New Vision reported November 3 that at a UNFPA-sponsored event “Cultural Heritage, Identity and Destiny,” the Privatization State Minister Rukia Chekamondo commended UNFPA for supporting reproductive health projects in Kapchorwa district. She said the government in collaboration with partners like UNFPA was committed to strengthening the delivery of quality reproductive health services to achieve the millennium development goals. Read: New Vision

UGANDA: The Fight Against FGM Continues

The Daily Monitor reported November 27 that despite criticism from several activists, female genital mutilation is still a much-respected practice in Kapchorwa. It is still so popular that some women who have decided to stop supporting the practice have been ridiculed by their colleagues. The story noted that with the bulk of REACH funds coming from UNFPA amid decreasing contributions to the U.N. body from donors, the project has been limited in its campaign against the ritual. Read: Daily Monitor

UKRAINE: Ukrainian Teenagers Discuss Sexual Health Issues Online

Osvitniy reported December 3 that online project ZDOROVO started in Ukraine. For the first time, young people have the chance to discuss HIV/AIDS and sexual issues. Project was created by the Student Committee of Ukraine and supported by UNFPA. Read: Osvitniy

UNITED STATES: Editorial Speculates UNFPA Funding from Shift in Congress

Star Tribune’s November 20 editorial speculated “there is hope on the horizon” for the future of U.S. funding for UNFPA with Democrats poised to take control of the House and Senate. The editorial noted that UNFPA officials estimate that they've picked up about 17 votes for their cause. The editorial also mentioned, “Bush's obstinacy makes America the only nation in the world to deny UNFPA funding for nonfinancial reasons,” and highlighted efforts of thousands of Americans who contributed to 34 Million Friends. The editorial concluded, “With new energy and leadership in Washington, U.S. citizens can also lobby their lawmakers to restore and expand UNFPA funds.” Read: Star Tribune

The Star Tribune also ran a November 24 letter by Jane Roberts, co-founder of 34 Million Friends of UNFPA, commending a November 20 editorial. Roberts wrote that the editorial speculating the new Congress was offering hope for renewing funding to UNFPA was “right on target.” Read: Star Tribune, Redlands Daily Facts

UNITED STATES: Anti-Family Planning Official Appointed to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

The Kansas City Star ran a November 27 column by Laura Scott who wrote about U.S. President George Bush’s show of “defiance” in choosing Dr. Eric Keroack to guide administration policy regarding reproductive health and family planning in the Department of Health and Human Services. Scott also noted, “Bush also has withheld millions of appropriated dollars to the United Nations Population Fund, which effectively provides family planning worldwide.” The editorial concluded: “The Senate gets no confirmation say on Keroack's appointment. That's too bad, because the new Senate might have some tough questions that would cause the executive branch to pause on this choice – or better still, to withdraw it.” Read: Kansas City Star

Kansas City Star ran a December 1 letter by Jane Roberts, co-founder of 34 Million Friends of UNFPA, who wrote, “Laura Scott's column lamenting the appointment of the anti-family planning Dr. Eric Keroack to head up Title X family planning in the United States  was right on target.” Roberts agreed that the Bush administration is also out of the mainstream in its refusal to contribute to UNFPA.

St. Petersburg Times ran a November 26 editorial that criticized Keroack's appointment as fitting within the Bush administration's quiet campaign against contraception, whether it be cutting off money for the international family-planning programs sponsored by the U.N. Population Fund or restricting how some of its HIV/AIDS prevention money can be spent so as to limit condom distribution overseas.”

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported November 19 that international women's health experts also reacted to Keroack’s appointment during a panel discussion on a WHO study that identified unsafe sexual practices as the second-leading cause of disease, disability or death in poor countries and the ninth-leading cause of those factors in developed countries. "The pendulum always swings between liberalism and conservatism," said Arletty Pinel, chief of UNFPA reproductive health branch. "The key element is that when you look at issues of sexual and reproductive health, the people who get the brunt of our inaction are the poor."

YEMEN: Plans for HIV/AIDS Conference

Al Thawra reported November 19 that Health Minister Abdulkareem Rase'e and UNFPA Representative Hans Obdeijn discussed the procedures and arrangement for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria’s regional conference which will take place in December with participants from east Mediterranean countries. Yemen News Agency also reported on this story on November 18. Read: Al Thawra

YEMEN: Country Adopts UNFPA Plan of Action

Althawra reported November 23 that Yemen adopted UNFPA’s plan of action in Sana'a to be implemented for the next five years and is expected to be ratified by the U.N. Executive Committee in January 2007. UNFPA Representative in Yemen Hans Obdeijn confirmed that the agency will continue to support the implementation of the programs that deal with population and reproductive health issues according to the action plan with the national partners and the beneficiaries. Read: Althawranews

YEMEN: Yemen is still a low human development country, UNFPA says

Yemen Times reported November 22 that UNFPA’s report on the Country Program Action Plan (CPAP) for 2007-2011, stated, “Yemen has improved its score on the human development index since 1990, but is still a low human development country, with a current ranking of 151 out of 177 countries.” According to the UNFPA report, poverty in Yemen is more of a rural than an urban phenomenon, with 83 percent of the poor and 87 percent of all those suffering food poverty living in rural areas. Poverty also is related to the number of children in a family. Read: Yemen Times

ZIMBABWE: Child and Maternal Mortality Rises Due to Hospital Fees

Xinhua General News Service reported November 27 that child and maternal mortality rates in Zimbabwe have shot up considerably due to prohibitive service fees charged by some hospitals, shortage of equipment and skilled personnel. At a one-day workshop  on maternal and neo-natal health held by UNFPA, Minister of Health and Child Welfare David Parirenyatwa said the high death rate among infants was a cause for concern and legislators should lobby for free services for pregnant women.

ZIMBABWE: Report Finds Remaining Health Care Workers Intend to Leave

Voice of America reported November 23 that a UNFPA report found that two-thirds of Zimbabwe's remaining health care workers intend to leave the country, pointing to a bleaker future for a national health system that is already overburdened by the demands of the HIV-AIDS pandemic. Read: Voice of America

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