UNFPA IN THE NEWS —SEPTEMBER 16-OCTOBER 6, 2006

LANCET ISSUE DEDICATED TO MATERNAL HEALTH

The October 2 issue of The Lancet features a series of five papers on maternal survival by the field’s leading experts. A paper by Ann M. Starrs of Family Care International examined the 20 years since the global campaign to reduce maternal mortality was launched, when UNFPA, the World Bank, and WHO sponsored the international Safe Motherhood Conference in Nairobi, Kenya. Another paper by Allan Rosenfield, Deborah Maine and Lynn Freedman on meeting the Millennium Development Goal of reducing maternal mortality mentioned the Averting Maternal Death and Disability program the took place in more than 50 countries. Their paper noted these projects were in partnership with local governments and with UNICEF, UNFPA, CARE, Save the Children, Regional Prevention of Maternal Mortality Network, Reproductive Health Response in Conflict Consortium, and several human-rights non-governmental organizations. A paper by Wairagala Wakabi featured a story on Mulu Muleta, a world renowned fistula surgeon that acknowledged the growth of the Ethiopian public's knowledge of fistula in recent years. The paper noted the increase in awareness was attributed to Muleta and her colleagues’ support for the campaign to end fistula by UNFPA.

WOMEN LEADERS INTERCULTURAL FORUM HELD IN NEW YORK

Emirates News Agency reported September 30 that the at the launch event of the Women Leaders Intercultural Forum (WLIF) at Columbia University in New York, Minister of Economy Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi has called for more empowerment for women by providing education and economic opportunities at a global and grass root levels. WLIF is a multi-year joint initiative of Realizing Rights: The Ethical Globalization Initiative, UNFPA, Women's Learning Partnership, Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs, The Council of Women World Leaders and Markkula Centre for Ethics at Santa Clara University.

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF OLDER PERSONS OBSERVED

The Daily Observer (Gambia) reported October 5 that on October 1, International Day of Older Persons, UNFPA Executive Director

Thoraya Ahmed Obaid said: “Of particular concern to UNFPA are the millions of older poor throughout the world, especially women who are struggling alone to make ends meet, who have no access to basic social and health services, and who suffer from violence and abuse. They need greater support. It is also time to ensure greater support for countless older women who are caretakers of grandchildren orphaned and affected by AIDS. Read: The Daily Observer

Cambodia: Between September 20 and October 3, various media agencies including Agence Kampuchea Presse, National Television of Cambodia and a few local newspapers reported on The Ageing and Elderly workshop that was jointly organized by UNFPA and National Committee on Population and Development (NCPD), Office of the Council of Ministers (OCM). The workshop shared recent updated data and research findings on the ageing population in the region and Cambodia. H.E Mr. Msas Lah, Under-Secretary of State, OCM and UNFPA Representative Bettina Maas acknowledged the issues facing older persons, in particular in Cambodia, and called for actions to confront the region’s ageing issues.

OPPORTUNITIES ENCOURAGED FOR ARAB WOMEN

The Gulf Daily News reported October 1 that Arab women at the United Nations are shining examples of what happens when opportunities are available for women in the region. The story mentioned Bahraini Shaikha Haya bint Rashid Al Khalifa as the new president of the U.N. General Assembly and Thoraya Ahmed Obaid as UNFPA’s executive director and the U.N.’s Under-Secretary-General as two examples. Read: The Gulf Daily News 

AFRICA: Contraceptives Take Center Stage at Meeting

Inter Press Service reported September 19 that the problem of limited access to contraceptives is taking center stage at an African Union (AU) meeting under way in Maputo. "There hasn't been adequate emphasis on family planning as a strategy, and yet it is a cost-effective thing," says Chisale Mhango, a public health expert at the AU's Department of Social Affairs. Statistics from the UNFPA indicate that sub-Saharan Africa has the highest number of maternal deaths in the world: 241,000 every year, almost half of the 529,000 maternal deaths that occur worldwide. Those who manage to overcome these obstacles to have a supply of female condoms on hand may benefit in a number of ways. “The female condom is the only product available for women to protect themselves during rape, thus preventing HIV/AIDS as well as unwanted pregnancies. It is critical in sub-Saharan Africa that women should have the power to protect themselves," said Jadish Upadhyay, head of the UNFPA's Commodity Security Branch. Read: Inter Press Service

Inter Press Service reported September 22 that at the conference, the importance of improving the skills of traditional birth attendants (TBAs) were discussed. “We need to look at upgrading their skills so that they are not TBAs, but are at a higher level such as midwives," said Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, UNFPA executive director. "This is important, since in some communities TBAs are the only reproductive health care providers present." Read: Inter Press Service

AFRICA: UNFPA to Base Africa Bureau in Ethiopia

The Ethiopian Herald reported September 24 that UNFPA has passed a decision to move its Africa bureau now based in New York to Addis Ababa. Addis Ababa was also selected to host the UNFPA East Africa Sub-regional Bureau that will cover Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, the Sudan and Tanzania. The transfer is part of UNFPA's new global strategy, which provides for the decentralization of its activities.  Read: The Ethiopian Herald

ASIA: WHO Calls for 100% Condom Use Among Sex Workers

Deutsche Presse-Agentur reported October 3 that at a three-day meeting in Manila on HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care, WHO called for wider implementation of the "no condom, no sex" policy in the Asia-Pacific region to boost the fight against HIV/AIDS. The meeting, sponsored by the WHO and UNFPA, sought to identify strategies for scaling up the 100 percent condom use program among sex workers and their clients. Read: Sun Star

ANGOLA: One Man’s Mission to Curb Spread of HIV/AIDS

Reuters reported October 4 that UNDP’s head in Angola, Pierre-Francois Pirlot’s, mission of personally helping to curb the spread of HIV in the country by handing out condoms during his daily walks. The story noted the 56-year-old Pirlot has been distributing condoms supplied by UNFPA, USAID and the Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria for a year and a half. Read: Reuters

BRAZIL: Manual Aids Reproductive Health Planning at Local Level

Agencia Brasil and Diario do Grande ABC reported September 14 that the recently launched UNFPA publication “Municipal Indicators on Sexual and Reproductive Health”, provides a model on how to enhance reproductive health planning at the local level. Read: Agencia Brasil and Diario do Grande ABC

CONGO-BRAZZAVILLE: Four Winners of Poster Contest

Les depeches de Brazzaville  reported September 26 from the prize ceremony of UNFPA's annual poster contest. This year's tmeme was Young People, and the contest has been organized since 1992. Read: Les Depeches

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: Aid Slow to Reach Villages Stranded by Fires

IRIN reported September 26 that at least 10,000 people have been left homeless after fires destroyed eight villages in the Congo's southeastern Maniema province. Aid for the stranded has slowly trickled in, with 767 kits comprising blankets, medication, condoms and second-hand clothes being provided by the Catholic NGO, CARITAS; CONADER, and UNFPA. Read: IRIN

ETHIOPIA AND FRANCE: Nutrition Aid for Mothers

Angola Press reported September 30 that France donated $897,305 in support of Ethiopia's initiative to provide better nutrition to pregnant and lactating mothers, malnourished children under the age of five and HIV/AIDS affected people. “As part of their commitment to achieving the Millennium Development Goals, the French authorities pay particular attention to the health of pregnant and lactating women as well as of children, and they work in close relation with UNFPA and WHO to improve their situation," French Ambassador Stephane Gompertz said. Read: Angola Press

ETHIOPIA: HIV/AIDS Prevalence Lower than Expected

The Daily Monitor reported September 19 that the Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey 2005 conducted by the Central Statistical Agency and the Ministry of Health reported that the country's HIV/AIDS prevalence has been lower than expected. The survey was carried out by the Central Statistical Agency and funded by the Ethiopian government, USAID, PEPFAR, the Dutch and Irish governments and UNFPA. Read: Daily Monitor

GAMBIA: National Workshop on HIV/AIDS Held

The Daily Observer reported October 4 that at the opening of a five-day HIV/AIDS national workshop, Fatou Lamin Faye, Secretary of State for Education, described HIV/AIDS, as the biggest threat to development in many countries. Faye mentioned, “In the past few years the Department of State for Education in collaboration with the National AIDS Secretariat, UNFPA and UNICEF has undertaken program formulation and implementation to prevent and control the spread of HIV/AIDS among educators, other sector personnel and young people in and out of the school.” She added, “We must continue to improve this trend so as to facilitate the prevention and control of the problem.” Read: The Daily Observer, Gambia Journal

GHANA: Youth Centre Inaugurated

Ghana News Agency reported September 26 that a 400 million-cedi Youth Centre constructed for the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) was inaugurated in Kumasi. The centre made up of a hall, a counseling room, a procedure room, a store and two washrooms was financed jointly by the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) and UNFPA. Professor Kwesi Andam, outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the KNUST, who inaugurated the centre, commended the PPAG and UNFPA for funding the project and urged them to provide the necessary opportunities for the youth.

GHANA: Workshop Encourages Men to Support Gender Issues

Accra Mail reported September 20 that at a workshop to encourage men to support gender rights issues, Efua Brown Eyeson, member of the International Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA), expressed worry over the permissiveness about sex in the society. The workshop was held under the aegis of FIDA and sponsored by UNFPA Read: Accra Mail

INDIA: Special Efforts Needed to Promote “Morning-After” Pill

The Press Trust of India reported September 24 that the so-called “morning-after” pill may now be available across the counter without a prescription, but according to the coalition Advocating Reproductive Choices (ARC) women can benefit from it only if the government provides low-priced emergency contraceptives through social marketing. The story noted that ARC, which has technical support from AIIMS, ICMR, WHO, and UNFPA and is funded by Packard Foundation, has set up a sub-committee on emergency contraceptives that has framed an action plan for promoting emergency contraceptives in the northern belt. Read: Press Trust of India

INDIA: Medical Association to Educate Doctors on Sex Determination Tests

Pune Newsline reported September 18 that the alarming decline in newborn girls has forced the Indian government and UNFPA to turn to the Indian Medical Association for help in curbing the use of sex determination tests. The story noted that the method of prevention will be to educate doctors and encourage them take the issue up as a personal mission to avoid these tests. Read: Pune Newsline

IRAN AND AFGHANISTAN: 2007 Census Project

IRNA reported October 3 that a memorandum of understanding was signed by Iran’s Statistical Center to assist Afghanistan in conducting population and housing census in 2007, supported by UNFPA. Read: IRNA

KAZAKHSTAN: HIV Outbreak in Infants Not Surprising

Kazakhstan General Newswire reported September 18 that experts are not perplexed at the outbreak of HIV infection in infants in Southern Kazakhstan since the region posts the lowest quality public health services for children and medical services in general, said UNICEF representative to Kazakhstan Alexander Zuev. “Last year the Health Ministry, WHO and UNFPA signed a specific program to upgrade public health services for children and mothers in this particular region. We have singled out this region out of 16 regions in Kazakhstan to implement this program," Zuev said.

LEBANON: Hospitals Receive New Generators

Assafir reported September 27 that the day before, Ms. Asma Kurdahi, Assistant UNFPA Representative to Lebanon and Dr. Faysal El Kak, RH Humanitarian Advisor, delivered two generators of 550 KVA each to Nabatieh Public Hospital and Najdeh Cha'bieh -Nabatieh hospital. This wasa result of the needs assessment carried out by a joint UN mission (UNHCR, WFP, UNICEF, WHO, UNFPA, UNRWA and DSS) in August to the area of Nabatieh, when it was agreed that UNFPA would supply these hospitals with generators. The story was also covered in Annahar   and Aldiyar

LEBANON: Religious Adaptability during the Israeli-Lebanon Crisis

Asharq Alawsat  reported September 27 on how the predominantly Christian village Ramaish in Southern Lebanon, with 5000 inhabitants, had successfully received twenty thousand displaced persons from neighboring areas, mostly Muslims. The newspaper visited the village with UNFPA, and reported that the agency is working closely with NGOs to address people's health and psychological needs resulted from the war. Read: Asharq Alawsat 

LIBERIA: Legislature Joins Parliamentarians for Global Action

LIBERIA: Group to Provide Scholarship for Girls to Attend School

The Analyst reported September 21 that to bridge the gap between the numbers of girls and boys in school, the OBAAS Girls Educational Outreach said it was providing scholarships to more than 75 girls for the new academic season. The head of the organization, Miatta Fahnbulleh said West Point and Bushrod Island will serve as the epicenters of the UNFPA-supported campaign which is being supported. "The UNFPA has always been a solid bone in our campaign," she said. "UNFPA is our major sponsor." Read: The Analyst

MADAGASCAR: Family Planning saves Lives
L'Express  ran an interview October 3 with Victor Rakoto, UNFPA assistant representative, on the importance of family planning. "While in the 1980's it was hard to get acceptance for family planning, attitudes changes during the 1990's", said Rakoto. Read: L'Express

MADAGASCAR: First Steps in Fistula Campaign
Madagascar Tribune reported September 27 about the first fistula repairs in Madagascar. They took place in L’Hôpital Vaovao Mahafaly in Mandritsara, so far the only facility for such repairs. In charge was  was Dr. Adrien Andrianarisoa, who got support by the UNFPA-led Campaign to End Fistula to be trained in fistula surgery in Ethiopia.

MOZAMBIQUE: UN Head Speaks at Youth Conference

Noticias reported September 25 that Thoraya Obaid, Executive Director of UNFPA, said at the opening session of the youth conference Geração Biz  that the conference must be used us an incentive to the young to change behaviour and mentality in terms of sexual attitudes, and to help Mozambique to reduce the levels of HIV prevalence.

NAMIBIA: More Young Men Attend Workshops on Reproductive Health

New Era reported September 27 on the increase of young men attending meetings on adolescent and sexual reproductive health aimed at combating the spread of the HIV/AIDS. Manager of the People's Health Project (PHP) Joseph Ashipala said PHP has so far conducted three workshops. Issues discussed at the September 24-29 workshop at Oshiko, sponsored by UNFPA, included: anatomy, physiology, male and female sexual organs, rape, self-esteem, decision-making, sexuality through lifestyles, child maintenance, domestic violence, love, sex, relationships, partner communication, conflict resolution, abstinence, faithfulness, condom use, and how to use anti-retroviral drugs. Read: New Era

NIGERIA: Gender Mainstreaming in HIV/AIDS Fight

The Tide reported September 24 that at a South-South zonal workshop on HIV/AIDS Gender Mainstreaming, UNFPA National Program Officer Raheemat Momodu called for the development of a gender mainstreaming program for the country’s HIV/AIDS population. Read: The Tide

NIGERIA: Contributions to National Census Reported

The Daily Trust reported October 5 that at a press conference on the national census, chairman of the National Population Commission, Chief Samuila Danko Makama gave the break down of the N37.8bn contributions. Makama said, "The federal government contributed N18.5bn, while the development partners, comprising the European Union, DFID, UNFPA and USAID, contributed N17bn, N2.01bn, N0.22bn and N0.11bn, respectively." Read: Daily Trust

NIGERIA: New National Population Policy Hailed

Xinhua General News Service reported October 3 that Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC) Samu'ila Danko Makama said the new National Policy on Population for Sustainable Development is designed to improve the standard of living of the people in Nigeria. UNFPA commended the policy for stressing that every sector of society has a well defined role in its implementation. “This new policy touches on every aspect of the people and goes beyond demographic factors to include such special population issues as women's status and empowerment, reproductive rights, children and young people, socio cultural issues and disabilities, " said Darlington Kayode on behalf of UNFPA in Nigeria.

PACIFIC: Fifth Forum on Education Ministers Held

Fiji Times reported September 28 that at the Fifth Forum Education Ministers Meeting, Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General Greg Urwin said the Pacific Plan for regional education is not intended to replace national programs, only to support and complement them. He said it was encouraging to see organizations that were traditionally associated with other sectors looking towards education as an element in their work. I would like to draw attention to the participation of WHO and UNFPA, he said. I have just learned that UNFPA is actively involved in the revision and development of curricula in a number of FICs to integrate issues related to sexuality into the school curriculum. Urwin called UNFPA’s involvement a “milestone” and should have a real effect in stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS and other STI as well as on matters such as teenage pregnancy. Read: Fiji Times

PACIFIC: Pacific Groups Participate in Week-Long MDG Workshop

Fiji Times reported October 2 that UNDP’s Pacific Sub-Regional Centre in collaboration with the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, UNFPA and UNIFEM held a week-long workshop on the Millennium Development Goals. Read: Fiji Times

PAKISTAN: UNFPA Provides Assistance for Mothers and Children Affected by Quake

UN News Centre reported October 6 that a year after an earthquake devastated northern Pakistan, UNFPA said its relief efforts since the quake meant many mothers and children in the affected area now enjoy better access to health care than before the disaster. Read: UN News Centre

PAKISTAN: 24-Hour Gynecological Services

Business Recorder reported October 5 that UNFPA opened 24-hour service for women facing gynecological issues in Muzaffargarh. The center would provide free medical assistance and medicines to women of this remote area.

PAKISTAN: Doctor Shortage

The Pakistan Newswire ran a September 29 story that mentioned of the 450 open positions for doctors in Thatta district, there were only 190 doctors employed, while 64 seats of specialist doctors, only seven were posted. District Health Officer Dr. Arjun Dev said collaborative efforts with UNFPA produced as many as 7 female doctors and 16 LHV appointed in the district.

PAKISTAN: Survey to Be Conducted to Determine Population Affect by Quake

Gulf Times reported September 17 that Pakistan plans to conduct another survey to determine the exact number of people affected by the quake in Kashmir and North West Frontier Province. Sources noted in the story indicated that the survey will be sponsored by UNFPA. Read: Gulf Times

PALESTINE: Report Reveals Danger of Delaying Pregnant Women at Checkpoints

IRIN reported October 6 that a report by the Palestinian Ministry of Health said pregnant Palestinian women are often prevented by Israeli forces from reaching hospitals to receive appropriate medical attention, causing many miscarriages and the deaths of some women. Since the beginning of the second Intifada in September 2000, 68 pregnant Palestinian women gave birth at Israeli checkpoints, leading to 34 miscarriages and the deaths of four women, according to the Health Ministry's September report. Thoraya Obaid, UNFPA Executive Director, said these figures underline the need to put an end to the agony of pregnant Palestinian women held at Israeli checkpoints. “It is urgent to facilitate access by pregnant women to life-saving services, as stipulated by international humanitarian law," Obaid said. Read: IRIN

PAPUA NEW GUINEA: 2006 Demographic Health Survey Underway

PacNews reported October 4 that efforts to conduct the 2006 Demographic and Health Survey are underway. The study is designed to provide information on the levels and trends of fertility, infant and child mortality, maternal mortality, family planning and HIV/AIDS. The survey is jointly funded by the national government, and development partners such as AusAID, NZAID, UNICEF, UNFPA and the Asian Development Bank.

ROMANIA: Population to Decrease and Age

Bucharest Daily News reported October 2 that according to a study by UNFPA, the demographic changes Romania is going through will decrease its population and make it older in 50 years. UNFPA representatives said the population of Romania is constantly changing because of factors such as migration and a low national birth rate. UNFPA Ambassador in Bucharest Peer Sieben said Romania needs to restructure the medical, education, and social security systems in order to cope with these changes. Read: Bucharest Daily News

SIERRA LEONE: Inrenational Day of Peace Observed

Awareness Times reported September 22 that representatives of the RSLAF, SLP, Prison Officers, UNIOSIL, UNHCR, UNFPA, WFP, UNICEF, UNTST, government officials and youths observed International Day of Peace at the United Nations Integrated Office for Sierra Leone. Read: Awareness Times

SYRIA: Workshop on Preventing the Spread of HIV/AIDS

TANZANIA: Findings on Child Marriage

IRIN reported September 19 that data collected by the Tanzania Media Women Association (TAMWA) shows a strong correlation between HIV/AIDS, early school exit, teenage marriage and pregnancy. According to UNFPA, Tanzanian law allows girls aged as young as 15 to get married with parental consent and between 20 percent and 40 percent do so before reaching adulthood. Read: IRIN

THAILAND: Ageing Population to Increase “Significantly”

Associated Press reported October 2 that UNFPA said Thailand's elderly population is expected to nearly double in percentage terms in 20 years and the government is unprepared to deal with the needs of its aging citizens, "It's a very significant increase," said Ghazy Mujahid, adviser on population policies to UNFPA. "By 2020, for the first time in this country's history, the population of older persons will exceed the number of people under 15 years of age." The story noted that while America and Europe are also struggling with how to deal with growing numbers of elderly, Thailand has an additional set of social and cultural issues to work its way through. It has yet to embrace nursing homes. "We need to ensure that aging takes place in the most dignified manner possible," said G. Giridhar, UNFPA's representative in Thailand. Read: Associated Press

TURKEY: Reactions to Article on Honor Killings

Turkish Daily News  reported September 29 on a firece debate in Turkish media following an editorial in the paper Hürriyet, suggesting  that "honor killings" were essentially a problem within the Kurdish community. Meltem Ağduk from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) stated, "honor killings take place all around the world" and noted that it was impossible to draw a correlation between ethnic background and the killings. Read: Turkish Daily News 

UGANDA: Former UNFPA Staff Member Advocates for Commercial Farming

The Daily Monitor reported September 22 that East MP Chris Baryomonsi, former UNFPA technical adviser, is advocating for commercial farming as the only way through which individual and household income in his constituency can be increased. “Since the biggest activity in my constituency is agriculture, I will mobilize voters to grow coffee, tea and fruits for commercial purposes,” he said. Read: Daily Monitor

UNITED STATES: U.S. Funding for UNFPA Withheld Fifth Consecutive Year

The New York Times ran a September 17 column by Nicholas D. Kristof on maternal mortality in the developing world. He mentioned: “Politics also complicates Western efforts to help. The United Nations Population Fund has helped lead the effort to reduce maternal deaths – yet the Bush administration has cut off all U.S. funding for the agency because of (false) accusations that it spports abortions in China.” Salon.com reported September 18 on Kristof’s New York Times column that mentioned UNFPA. Read: New York Times

The Nation ran a September 20 column by Ian Williams who revealed that just before President George Bush spoke at the United Nations General Assembly, he sent a “discreet” message to both the United Nations and the U.S. Congress by quietly withholding payments, for the fifth consecutive year, to UNFPA. Williams noted, “The health of hundreds of thousands of women and children will be impaired—and many lives lost—as a result of his pandering to the most prejudiced elements of his conservative constituency.” Read: The Nation

The Star Tribune ran a September 23 editorial that highlighted the 34 Million Friends of UNFPA campaign that invites citizens to contribute a single dollar to the agency's work. The editorial noted: “Though he'd shudder at the thought, President Bush might as well be running a promotional campaign for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). For five years running, the president has refused to hand over money Congress has earmarked for the agency -- and each year his high-handedness has caused a political stir. Thus a U.S. giving opportunity that once escaped notice is now drawing eyes from all over. So, too, is the UNFPA.” The editorial concluded, “If you want to join the effort, visit www.34millionfriends.org. All the campaign asks is a dollar – though, if you insist, it will likely accept more than one.”

UZBEKISTAN: Support for Radio Drama "Shahar Bekatlari" Continues

UzReport.com reported September 28 that UNFPA continues to support the production of radio drama "Shahar bekatlari" (City stops), broadcasted at Yoshlar radio stations. The drama is part of radio project Silk Road, an UNESCO initiative supported by UNFPA. UNFPA said it supports the creation of 64 scenes of radio drama in 2006, which covers city life. The radio drama confronts reproductive health, HIV/AIDS prevention and other diseases, relations in family, gender equality, development of small businesses and other issues. Read: UzReport.com 

UZBEKISTAN: Poster Contest Held on Constitution Day

UzReport.com reported October 6 that coinciding with Uzbekistan’s Constitution Day, UNFPA in Uzbekistan in cooperation with the Women's Committee of Uzbekistan held its 14th Annual Poster Contest for young people. The contest encouraged young artists to demonstrate an understanding of population and gender issues. "UNFPA has a vision of a world fit for young people. It is a world that promotes and protects their rights, provides opportunities to develop their full potential, welcomes and respects their voices and views, and where they live free of poverty, discrimination and violence," said Thoraya A. Obaid, UNFPA executive director. Read: UzReport.com 

VIETNAM: UNFPA/DKT Initiative Promotes Safe Sex Among Youth

Vietnam News Service reported October 1 on a UNFPA/DKT initiative to promote safe sex among young people by promoting condom use. Jesper Morch, UNICEF country representative, said that the UNFPA-DKT initiative is significant in that it raises awareness of HIV prevention in Vietnam.

YEMEN: : National Assiciation of Midwives Founded

Yemen Times  reported September 24 of the foundation of the first National Association of Midwives in the country. The Association was officially declared during a seminar supported by USAID, UNFPA, and PHR Plus Organization. Read: Yemen Times

ZAMBIA: Comprehensive Program for Youth on STIs and HIV/AIDS

Xinhua General News Service reported September 18 that the Ministry of Sports, Youth and Child Development of Zambia devised comprehensive programs to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS among youths. UNPFA Country Representative Deji Popoola said that sexual and reproductive health information and services are important pillars of youth empowerment. He said most youths lack adequate information and skills for them to make correct and responsible life choices and decisions about sexual and reproductive health.

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