UNFPA IN THE NEWS —MAY 7-20, 2007
60th WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY CALLS FOR “HEALTH LEGACY”
Women’s Enews reported May 19 that at the 60th World Health Assembly in Geneva Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, head of UNFPA, called for increased investment in health systems. She cited 10 million women who died and 300 million who have suffered long-term disabilities in the last two decades from mostly preventable pregnancy and childbirth complications. WHO chief Margaret Chan also called for a "health legacy" for women, saying they need special attention as caregivers with a reproductive role. Read: Women’s Enews
AGING COSTLY FOR WOMEN
St. Petersburg Times reported May 15 that being elderly and female is a double-whammy recipe for poverty, according to a report released by WHO and UNFPA on Monday about the worldwide effects of gender on aging.
BANGLADESH: Workshop Held on Reproductive Health, HIV/AIDS and Gender
United News of Bangladesh reported May 11 that a daylong workshop on “Reproductive Health, HIV/AIDS and Gender” was held at Ansar Barrack. The story noted that Deputy Commissioner M. Abdul Qayyum inaugurated the workshop supported by UNFPA and the Cooperation of Home Ministry.
CARIBBEAN: Agreement Reached to Decriminalize Sex Work
Stabroek News reported May 10 that the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition proposed decriminalizing prostitution as part of the region’s HIV/AIDS policy. At the end of three days of deliberations in Bolan's Village, Antigua, the region's key service providers and researchers in sexual and reproductive health and HIV/AIDS agreed to emphasize the need for a comprehensive package of policies, legal reform and advocacy strategies to address the challenges of HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean. The meeting was sponsored by the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV/AIDS and UNFPA. Read: Stabroek News, Trinidad News
COTE D'IVOIRE: Hospital Refurbished
Fraternité Matin reported May 10 from the opening of a newly refurbished hospital ward for obstetrics and gynecology in Abobo. At the opening Philippe Delanne, UNFPA Country representative, said the agency had given financial suppor in aneffort to help reduce the maternal death rate in the country, where 690 women die for every 100,000 births.
CUBA: Population Growth
Prensa Latina’s May 14 story cited UNFPA population data that revealed fertility rates in Cuba of less than two children per couple is a cause for concern. READ: Prensa Latina
DRC: Fistula Treatment Campaign in Kinshasa
Le Potentiel reported May 23 on a planned UNFPA fistula treatment campaign in Kinshasa between 28 May and 9 June. "UNFPA is committed to restoring dignity and health to women and girls who suffer from fistula," the article noted. Globally, two million women are suffering from obstetric fistula, and an additional 50,000 to 100,000 new cases occur each year. Read: Le Potentiel
ECUADOR: Proposal for strategic plan to prevent HIV/AIDS
El Mercurio reported May 18 that members of the local committee for the prevention of HIV/AIDS, public institutions and NGOs, presented a strategic plan for the next five years for the prevention and control of HIV and AIDS in Portoviejo, Manabí. UNDP and UNFPA have contributed to the drafting of the plan. READ: El Mercurio
FIJI: Peer Education Program on Reproductive Health and HIV/AIDS Launched
Fiji Times reported May 12 at the launch of a peer education program on reproductive health and HIV/AIDS awareness at the University of the South Pacific, HIV-positive guest speaker Paulini Vakacegu said HIV is a reality and if we do not take precautions, we will regret it. The peer education program is an initiative sponsored by UNFPA, the Ministry of Health and the USP Students Association. Read: Fiji Times
Fiji Times reported May 12 that at the launch of a peer education reproductive health and HIV/AIDS awareness program, UNFPA Representative in the Pacific Najib Assif said studies conducted by UNFPA indicates young people are more comfortable in getting information on unwanted pregnancy and HIV/AIDS from their peers. Read: Fiji Times
GEORGIA: Consultation on Domestic Violence
Georgia Today in its 11-17 May issue reported that the Advisory Council on Gender Equality Issues under the Speaker of the Parliament and the UN CountryTeam in Georgia jointly hosted the Country consultation meeting on Domestic Violence National Response in Georgia – The Steps Forward. Ms. Yakin Erturk, UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women attended the meeting together with the Members of the Parliament of Georgia, Deputy Ministers and Heads of UN agencies in Georgia. In the framework of the UN joint initiative, led by UNFPA (with participation of UNICEF, UNDP, UNIFEM and UN RCO office) an analysis of the situation on domestic violence issue has been undertaken.
GHANA: March for Women’s Rights
The Ghanaian Chronicle reported May 18 on Ghana’s participation in a march for African women’s rights. The story noted that hoards of marchers trekked in the blazing heat from Kwame Nkrumah Circle to Efua Sutherland Children's Park, Accra in aid of women's reproductive health rights. The African Commission of Human Rights, the Ministry of Justice, UNFPA, Marie Stopes International and Ipas supported the march. Read: Ghanaian Chronicle: May 18, The Statesman
GHANA: Bill to Address Female Genital Mutilation
Ghana News Agency reported May 16 that the Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice Kwame Osei-Prempeh said parliament was working on the Criminal Code Amendment Bill to deal with people engaged in female genital mutilation. Nana Lithur said the FGM was a violation of woman's reproductive rights and many governments had recognized its seriousness and affirmative action being taken to end the practice. Makane Kane, UNFPA representative in Ghana, noted that reproductive health continued to be a leading course of mortality among African women. He called for the adoption of rights frameworks in national and international human rights documents and an active implementation of gender dimension policies to underscore the affirmation of the rights of all, particularly women. Read: Ghana News Agency
GHANA: Women’s Group Pledges Commitment to Ghana’s Development
Ghana News Agency reported May 15 that the 31st December Women’s Movement pledged to work within the confines of the law for the development of the nation. A statement issued to mark the 25th anniversary of the Movement said: “The 31st December Women’s Movement will work with all government institutions, departments and agencies in our collective quest for freedom, justice, fair play and improved standards, irrespective of which political party is in power.” The Movement said it mobilized funds for projects and enlisted UNDP, UNFPA, African Development Bank, International Fund for Agricultural Development and Sasakawa Fund. Read: Ghana News Agency
GUATEMALA: National Commission Created to Reduce Maternal Mortality
Diario de Centroamérica reported May 11 that Alfredo Privado, the Minister of Public Health and Social Support, organized a meeting of national and international health organizations to establish a national commission to reduce maternal mortality. UNFPA Representative in Guatemala Nadine Gasman attended the meeting. Read: Diario de Centroamérica
GUINEA: Soldiers Continue to Riot after President Concedes to Changes
IRIN reported May 14 that although Guinea's President Lansana Conte conceded to the main demand of mutinous rioting soldiers by replacing the country's minister of defense and other top army commanders, the soldiers continued to riot, sacking shops and warehouses in Conakry, including UNFPA’s offices. Witness said soldiers were responsible for a raid on UNFPA's stores, stealing stocks of condoms as well as computer equipment. Read: IRIN
INDIA: Hope for Women
NDTV ran a May 20 column by Sarika Sharma who wrote with the Indian government planning to amend the dowry legislation, there seems to be a ray of hope for women. According to a study by UNFPA, 60 percent of married women are victims of physical abuse or forced sex by their husbands. At present the Anti Dowry Act is applicable only for the initial seven years during which if the wife dies under mysterious circumstances, the husband or her in-laws can be booked. Read: NDTV
INDONESIA: $25 Million Allocated for Population and Development Programs
Antara’s May 12 story quoted UNFPA Assistant Country Representative Martha Santoso Ismail as saying, “UNFPA has allocated $25 million for population and development programs in 21 districts and cities in six Indonesian provinces for 2006-2010 period." UNFPA Gender Specialist Kaori Ishikawa said the decision to provide the six Indonesian provinces with $25 million was based on careful evaluation and advice from the Indonesian government. Read: Antara
INDONESIA: Government Urged to Protect Women in Conflict Areas
Terbit reported on 11 May that a group of NGOs, individuals and UNFPA have urged the government of Indonesia to implement UNSC Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security in conflict settings. The resolution was passed in 2000 but until now it has not yet been properly implemented in conflict areas across Indonesia.
JAMAICA: More Must Be Done to Reduce Unplanned Pregnancies
The Jamaica Information Service reported May 16 that Director General at the Planning Institute of Jamaica, Dr. Wesley Hughes, said more must be done to reduce unplanned pregnancies, especially among adolescents. He was speaking at a one-day exhibition as a part of the UNFPA and European Union-sponsored sexual and reproductive health program. Read: Jamaica Information Service, Jamaica Observer
JORDAN: Memorandum of Understanding Signed for Survey on Population and Family Health
Jordanian News Agency reported May 11 that the General Statistics Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding with MACRO International, UNFPA and USAID to conduct a comprehensive survey on population and family health in Jordan in 2007. The survey aims to provide data on fertility rates, deaths, health care for children and mothers in addition to other information related to family planning and evaluating the different medical programs in the Kingdom. Read: Jordanian News Agency
JORDAN: Development Advocate Princess Basma Celebrates Birthday
Jordan Times reported May 11 that HRH Princess Basma recently celebrated her birthday. The story noted that the Princess is a long-serving development advocate who has worked for over 30 years to promote a wide range of global issues. On the international level, she is Honorary Human Development Ambassador for UNDP and a Goodwill Ambassador for UNIFEM and UNFPA. Read: Jordan Times
KENYA: Kigali International Peace Marathon Held
The New Times reported May 14 on the Kigali International Peace Marathon, organized by the Rwanda Athletics Federation, Soroptimist International and sponsored by Inyange, ORTPN, Aims, Bralirwa and UNFPA.
LATIN AMERICA: Preparations underway for the 17th International AIDS Conference
Inter Press Service reported May 11 that with support from UNFPA, UNIFEM and UNAIDS, the International AIDS Society convened a preparatory conference in Mexico ahead of the 17th International AIDS conference scheduled for August 2008. The story mentioned that most HIV-positive women in Latin American hide their status for fear of rejection, or experience veiled or open discrimination. According to UNFPA, three years ago there were seven or eight men with HIV/AIDS in Latin America for every woman with the virus, but today the ratio is three to one. Read: Inter Press Service
La Jornada, El Colombiano, El Universal, Terra and La Nación reported May 10 that the United Nations and several NGOs expressed concern about the increase of the AIDS epidemic among women in Latin America. "Globally and in all regions, more women than ever live with HIV," said Arie Hoekman, UNFPA representative in Mexico. Read: La Jornada, El Universal, Terra, La Nación
El Universal reported May 11 that HIV-positive mothers demanded that the federal government include them in social programs targeting women, as well as HIV-prevention programs. UNFPA Representative in Mexico Arie Hoekman highlighted the increase in the number of HIV positive young women, now representing more than 60 percent of young people between ages 15 and 24, globally. Read: El Universal
Milenio reported May 11 that the feminization of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Mexico is caused by “machismo.” The country has an estimated 40,000 HIV positive women, of which a great majority was infected by their partner. UNFPA Representative in Mexico Arie Hoekman said that according to data from UNAIDS, there are 39.5 million people with HIV/AIDS globally, and that over the past 11 years the trend is moving towards a feminization of the epidemic. Read also: En Linea Directa
LEBANON: Women Urged to Break “Rigid and Backward” Societal Rules
The Daily Star reported May 16 that at the conference, entitled "Women's Empowerment: "Peaceful Action toward Security and Stability," Ghazwa Farhat, a member of the Ghobeiri municipality said women in Lebanon must break "rigid and backward" societal rules, overcome their fears and "become motivated to achieve their goals and aspirations." The story noted that UNFPA and the National Council for Women organized the event. Read: The Daily Star
MADAGASCAR: Support for Family Planning
Le Quotidien reported May 18 on the activities organised for the international Day of Families, and wrote that UNFPA offered free family planning counselling and services. The article noted that UNFPA is a longtime supporter of Madagascar's family planning services.
MALAYSIA: Lifelong Learning Initiative for the Elderly
The Star reported May 13 on the Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Lifelong Learning Initiative for the Elderly, which offers senior citizens social and economic talks and electives like Arts and Crafts, Living Skills, Languages and Performing Arts as well as health and exercise. The story noted that this program is the result of data compiled as well as surveys of senior citizens in Kajang done by the Gerontology Institute in UPM under a three-year project funded by UNFPA and the Malaysian government. Read: The Star
MALI: New Maternal Health/Fistula Project Launched
L'Essor reported May 23 on the launch of a maternal health project that includes obstetric fistula—a joint effort between UNFPA and the French government. The article noted that Mamadou Diallo, the UNFPA country representative, helped launch the project, together with Mali's Minister for the Promotion of Women, Children and the Family and representatives from the French government, WHO and Equilibres & Populations.
Read: L'Essor
MONGOLIA: Mobile Service Team Reaches Mining Sites
Today Daily Newspapers reported May 15 that the Human Security Trust Fund of the Japan government and UNFPA supported a project titled “Reducing socio-economic vulnerabilities of selected peri-urban and informal mining communities in Mongolia.” The project included a handover ceremony of fully equipped mobile service vans, technical equipment and medicines to health departments of selected provinces. The ceremony was held in Sukhbaatar Square with the Deputy Health Minister, representatives of Municipality, the Japan ambassador, UNFPA, HQ representatives and Heads of Health departments in attendance. This project aims to improve the livelihood and dignity of unregistered migrants in Mongolia.
NAMIBIA: Funding for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care
The New Era reported May 15 that 19 community-based organizations (CBOs) dealing with HIV/AIDS prevention and care in the country recently received a major financial boost of over N$6,5-million from the United Nations Small Grants Fund. According to UNFPA Country Representative and Chairperson of the HIV/AIDS Partnership Forum, Nuzhat Ehsan, the funding aids the Small Grants Fund to make a significant dent in the fight against HIV/AIDS. She added that still more needs to be done. Recent results of HIV prevalence amongst pregnant women attending antenatal clinics show no improvement over the last few years:19.9 per cent at the end of 2006 compared to 19.7 per cent for 2004. Read: New Era
NIGERIA: Maternal Mortality and the Need for Midwives
This Day reported May 15 that UNFPA estimated that some 700,000 more mid-wives are needed to provide universal access to skilled care at birth. UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid said in a message to mark this year's International Day of the Midwife. “With this year marking the 20th anniversary of the Safe Motherhood Initiative, there is no better time than now to strengthen health systems and health work-forces to protect the health of mothers, children and families." Read: This Day
NIGERIA: Op Ed Criticizes Push to Ratify CEDAW
This Day ran a May 15 op ed by Sonnie Ekwowusi that criticized several organizations, among them UNFPA, for "mounting intense pressure on some members of the National Assembly and Aso Rock to get the controversial CEDAW ratified". Read: This Day
NIGERIA: Only 19 per cent of Husbands Aware of Safe Motherhood Practices
The Daily Trust’s May 13 story mentioned that according to a 2004 UNFPA survey only 19 per cent of husbands were observed to be aware of safe motherhood practices, which relates to the alarming increase in child mortality. Read: The Daily Trust
PAKISTAN: IOM Director to Inaugurate Project in Earthquake-Affected Area
The Daily Times reproted May 13 that IOM Director General Brunson McKinley is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan to meet senior government officials, attend the 34th session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers in Islamabad and visit IOM projects launched in earthquake-affected areas. Kinley will attend the inauguration of the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in Oghi, NWFP, funded by UNFPA. Read: Daily Times
PAKISTAN: Campaign Begins to Raise Awareness on Family Planning
The Pakistan Newswire reported May 11 that the Population Welfare Department in cooperation with UNFPA will start an advocacy campaign to create public awareness about family planning.
PAKISTAN: Government Committed to Improving Health Care Delivery
Associated Press of Pakistan reported May 11 that at the National Health System Strengthening Coordination Committee’s meeting, Secretary Health Khushnood Akhtar Lashari said the government is committed to enhance effectiveness of district healthcare delivery services through organizational and management strengthening, in addition to improved infrastructure. The meeting was attended by the representatives of World Bank, WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, Department for International Development and officials from the Ministry of Health. Read: Associated Press of Pakistan
PANAMA: Sex Education Program Halted
El Siglo reported May 9 that the Minister of Education Miguel Angel Cañizales halted an evaluation process of education materials to be used in a government-sponsored sex education program. The story mentioned that the materials were produced jointly by the Ministries of Education and Health, UNICEF and UNPFA. Read: El Siglo
PARAGUAY: Law against Discrimination
ABC Digital, Última Hora, La Nación reported May 17 that a law proposal against all forms of discrimination was introduced in Paraguay’s congress. The proposal was supported by UNFPA. READ: ABC Digital, Ultima Hora
PARAGUAY: U.N. Highlights Work of Midwives around the World
On May 8, PPN and ABC Color published an excerpt of UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya A. Obaid’s message on the International Day of Midwives. Read: PNN
PHILIPPINES: Addressing Population Issues to Fight Poverty and Hunger
The Manila Standard Today reported May 14 that poverty and hunger in the Philippines will worsen unless the questions of population and reproductive health are not squarely addressed, according to UNFPA Representative in the Philippines Suneeta Mukherjee. Mukherjee urged the Philippine government to adopt the agency’s Millennium Development Goals, which zeroes in on the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger. “And that means stronger efforts to promote women’s rights, and greater investment in education and health, including reproductive health and family planning.” UNFPA records show that in the Philippines, four babies are born every minute. Nearly half (1.43 million a year) of all pregnancies in the Philippines are unintended. Read: The Manila Standard
PORTUGAL: 250,000 Euro to UNFPA
Jornal Noticia carried an article 17 May on the Portugese UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador Catarina Furtado presenting UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya A. Obaid with a check of 250,000 Euro that had been raised through a TV show. Ms. Obaid was in the country on an official visit.
PORTUGAL: UNFPA and Portugal Sign Agreement to Protect Mothers and Infants
ABC Digital’s May 16 story quoted UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya A. Obaid at the signing of an agreement to protect mothers and infants with the Portuguese government. Read: ABC Digital
PORTUGAL: No Woman Should Die Giving Life
O Publico ran an op-ed May 16 by UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya A. Obaid under the headline "No Woman Should Die Giving Life". "In Portugal, dying during childbirth occurs rarely. But for women in most poor countries, pregnancy and childbirth are the leading causes of death and disability. In Africa, 1 woman in every 20 risk dying of maternal causes, compared to 1 in 11,100 in Portugal. In some countries, the numbers have gotten worse, not better," wrote Ms. Obaid.
SUDAN: Messaging Meeting on Fifth Population Census Held
Sudan Vision Daily reported May 16 that UNFPA, in collaboration with Central Bureau of Statistics, Sudan Centre for Statistics and Evaluation, Southern Sudan Census Commission and publicity Higher Committee organized a workshop to design messages for the fifth population census. Read: Sudan Vision Daily
SUDAN: Fistula repairs in Western Darfur
Sudan Vision Daily reported 16 May from the opening ceremony at the Zalingei Hospital.for a 10-day fistula awareness and treatment campaign. The purpose of the campaign is to create community awareness on fistula by breaking the silence around this condition and the stigma attached to it and to treat at least 40 women who are affected during this campaign period. The campaign also aims to renew the hopes and dreams of those who suffer from the condition. This includes bringing it to the attention of policy-makers and communities, thereby reducing the stigma associated with it, and helping women who have undergone treatment return to full and productive lives.
TIMOR LESTE: Dramatic Increase in Birth Rate Stifles Development
The Telegraph reported May 12 that birth rates have increased dramatically since Timor Leste broke away from Indonesia in 1999, with many Timorese believing they need to replace the 200,000-plus who died in the years following the invasion. According to UNFPA, census data from 1999-2004 shows the average lifetime fertility in East Timor is 6.95 children per woman. UNFPA Country Representative Hernando Agudelo explained: “People don’t understand the linkages between population and development. It’s not because you have more people that you are going to have more wealth.” There are demographic factors in its continuing crisis, with many young people undereducated and unemployed, Dr. Agudelo said, and at current rates the population will double in 17 years. “You can’t grow the number of schools, the quantity of water or electricity or food in the same manner,” he pointed out. Read: The Telegraph
UGANDA: Preventing Maternal Mortality
New Vision ran a May 9 op ed by UNFPA Deputy Representative in Uganda Dr. Hassan Mohtashami who wrote on preventing maternal mortality in Uganda. He noted: “Maternal mortality ratio in Uganda is 505 per 100,000 live births. This means 6,000 pregnant women die per year in Uganda just because of pregnancy-related causes; about 16 mothers' deaths per day.” Dr. Hassan noted: “Maternal mortality can be halved in seven to 10 years if political commitment and required resources are available. There is evidence that reduction of maternal mortality is affordable in all countries, regardless of income level and growth rate.” Read: New Vision
UGANDA: Former Abductees Orphaned by the Insurgency Turn to Prostitution
The Monitor reported May 8 that youth MP for northern Uganda Denis Hamson Obua said the majority of former abductees and young girls orphaned by the insurgency in northern Uganda have resorted to selling their bodies to make ends meet. Reproductive health advisor for German Technical Co-operation and UNFPA Chris Baryomunsi said the war in Northern Uganda has worsened the situation of reproductive health in the region. Dr. Baryomunsi who is also MP for Kikinzi East in Kanungu District said most women who were abducted have severe reproductive problems. Read: The Monitor
UKRAINE: Death Rate Higher than Increased Birthrate
Kyiv Post reported May 8 that after many years of decline, Ukraine’s birthrate has begun to inch up, growing by about 8 percent in 2006, according to a study released by the Institute of Demography and Sociological Research at the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences. However, analysts say that the upswing in birthrates is not enough to stop the longstanding slide in Ukraine’s population. UNFPA Program Officer Oleh Voronenko said two-thirds of Ukrainian families currently have only one child. “Ukraine’s main problem is not the birthrate, which is more or less on par with other European countries, but a high death rate, which has grown considerably over the last 15 years and exceeds the birthrate by almost two times,” Voronenko added. Read: Kyiv Post
UNITED STATES: Obaid Keynote Graduation Speaker at Alma Mater
The Mercury News ran a May 12 column that noted a 1966 Mills alumna and current UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid was the keynote graduation speaker. The column described Obaid as “a potent example of the heights in the international realm to which a Mills graduate can aspire.” Read: The Mercury News
URUGUAY U.N. Assesses Flood-Stricken Areas
UN News Centre reported May 17 that United Nations disaster assessment officials met in Uruguay to determine aid needed to help the thousands of people forced to flee their homes after the worst floods to strike the country in almost half a century. The story noted that the U.N. Disaster Assessment and Coordination team, as well as officials from UNICEF, UNFPA and the FAO carried out rapid assessments in Durazno, Soriano and Treinta y Tres departments. Read: UN News Centre
UZBEKISTAN: Seminar on Women’s Health
UzReport.com reported May 18 that the Health Ministry of Uzbekistan, embassy of Israel, MASHAV Israeli centre for international cooperation and UNFPA held a national seminar on "Women's health" in Tashkent on 15-16 May.
VIETNAM: Social Revolution among Nation’s Youth
The Straits Times reported May 20 on the social revolution taking place in Vietnam among the nation's youth, especially its young single women. According to official statistics, the average age when Vietnamese youths have sex for the first time is 19.6.
But few dispute that the real figure is much lower and that it cuts across all social strata and regions of the country. In an address last year, Ian Howie, UNFPA representative in Vietnam, said: “Pre-marital sex is more common than it was for previous generations.” According to a recent survey, nearly one in five of Vietnam's young people aged 15 to 24 has had sex, he said.
ZIMBABWE: Shortage of Nurses and Midwives
The Herald May 17 reported that the shortage of nurses and midwives is threatening Zimbabwe and Africa's capacity to improve midwifery practice and attain the goal of reducing maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. “There is strong evidence to show that midwives play a critical role in reducing the prevailing high levels of maternal and child mortality in developing countries such as Zimbabwe,” UNFPA, UNICEF and WHO said in a joint statement released recently. “However, studies here show that at least 30 per cent of pregnant women still lack access to skilled care at delivery. The consequences are devastating.”
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