UNFPA IN THE NEWS — SEPTEMBER 10-23 , 2007

UNFPA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR INTERVIEWED ON URBANIZATION

The Ode’s September issue featured an interview on urbanization with UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Obaid who said “people must be seen as assets for urban areas, not burdens.” Obaid suggested: “Urban planners should never look only at the current population when making policies; they should calculate on more migrants coming, and therefore make more designated land available for housing, with basic water, electricity and sanitation facilities and opportunities for work. If we can improve our cities, they can stimulate economic growth even further. As a side effect, it will certainly slow down population growth, since people in cities tend to have lower fertility. In an urban economy, women need and want less children.” Read: The Ode

THE HUMANITARIAN IMPACT OF URBANIZATION

IRIN’s September In-Depth story noted that at present, 3.3 billion people live in urban centers across the globe. By 2030, this number is predicted to reach five billion, with 95 percent of this growth in developing countries. Over the next three decades, Asia’s urban population will double from 1.36 billion to 2.64 billion, Africa’s city dwellers will more than double from 294 million to 742 million, while Latin America and the Caribbean will see a slower rise from about 400 million to 600 million, according to UNFPA. Read: IRIN

AFRICA: Woman Endorsed to Chair African Union

Times of Zambia ran a September 14 opinion piece by Margaret Mangani who endorsed Dr. Inonge Mbikusita Lewanika to chair the African Union. Mangani noted she has worked with various United Nations agencies such as UNESCO, UNDP, WHO, UNFPA and UNIFEM for the past 35 years. The opinion piece concluded, “The appointment of a woman chair would further underscore the continent's commitment to enhanced women representation in key decision making positions and gender equity.” Read: Times of Zambia

ARMENIA, AZERBAIJAN AND GEORGIA: Conference on Adolescent Reproductive Health

ArmeniaNow.com reported September 19 that the second Reproductive Health Initiative for Youth in the South Caucasus was held in Batumi, Georgia. The story noted that the joint, 2.9 million Euro, three-year program by UNFPA and European Union brought together more than 50 participants from Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia to discuss reproductive health. UNFPA Youth Advisory Board Member in Azerbaijan Maksud Ibrahimov noted that many young people are ashamed and avoid going to the doctor. “For example, many would not go to a specialist in dermatology and venereology being afraid to run into an acquaintance or a relative, while those centers are especially aimed for young people, where there are their peers who have the same problems,” Ibrahimov said. Read: ArmeniaNow.com, The Messenger 

BANGLADESH: Support to Implement CEDAW

The Daily Star reported September 19 that the government is preparing to submit its combined 6th and 7th periodic report on the status of implementing CEDAW in Bangladesh. The story noted that the Directorate of Women Affairs, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, and UNFPA jointly organized the policy dialogue on implementing CEDAW in Bangladesh. Read: Daily Star

BANGLADESH: Significant Progress in Reproductive Health

The Daily Star reported September 19 that Bangladesh has made significant progress in reproductive health with the government’s support said Health and Family Welfare Adviser Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Dr. ASM Matiur Rahman at the opening ceremony of a national workshop titled, “Access to reproductive health for the achievement of ICPD and MDGs: The South-South Initiative.” The story noted UNFPA Deputy Representative Pornchai Suchitta spoke at the workshop. Read: Daily Star                                   

BOLIVIA: Youth Art Festival

El Deber reported September 17 that at least 5,000 people participated in a Youth Festival, themed, “To exercise your rights is an art.” The objective of the encounter was to create a space for young people to express themselves. The program included an information fair on topics like self-esteem, sexual and reproductive health, and HIV, among others. The event was supported by UNFPA and other groups. Read: El Deber

BOLIVIA: Improving Maternal Health and Neonatal Care

ABI reported September 17 on a regional forum to improve maternal health and infant health care. The activity was supported by UNFPA and other groups. Read: ABI

BURKINA FASO: UNFPA Representative Honoured

Sidwaya reported September 18 that UNFPA representative Genevieve Ah-sue, who is leaving the country after four years, received the "Chevalier de l'Ordre national"  from the Government at a ceremony on September 14. She was praised as being "pragmatic and practical" in her approach and for having helped the country advance in its development goals. The story noted that on September 13, she had an audience with Prime Minister Tertius Zongo.

Sidwaya also ran an interview with Genevieve Ah-sue on September 14, where she said she was particularly pleased to have contributed to a strengthened involvement of youth in the development process. She also praised the " extraordinary spirit of solidarity" that she had found among the  people of Burkina Faso.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: Remittances Discussed

Inter Press Service reported September 19 that at a conference organized by the Asociación Tú, Mujer, legislators, ministers, a UNFPA representative and delegates of civil society groups met to discuss remittances. “We have to find mechanisms so that remittances are used more efficiently towards social development, and in the fight against poverty,” Carmen Julia Gómez, the Asociación Tú, Mujer’s director of research and the head of the Remittances and Co-development Project, told IPS. “We are concerned that they are almost completely used for direct consumption: buying food and clothing, and paying for education.” Read: Inter Press Service

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: Workshop for Dominican Journalist Network

El Nuevo Diario and 7 Días reported September 14 that the Dominican Network of Journalists interested in covering gender issues and the magazine A Primera Plana, organized a workshop on discrimination in language-use and the importance of responsible journalism. The activity was supported by UNFPA, among others. Read: El Nuevo Diario, 7 Días

EL SALVADOR: UNFPA to Support the Purchase of Contraceptives

El Salvador and La Prensa Gráfica reported September 18 that the Ministry of Health and the Salvadoran Institute of Social Security combined their order of contraceptives to obtain a rate at cost. The story noted that UNFPA will be in charge of the process in 2008. UNFPA Representative in El Salvador Leonor Calderón said, “We commit ourselves to guarantee the quality of products at a low price.” Read: El Salvador, La Prensa Gráfica

GERMANY: UNFPA Annual Report Criticized

Der Tagesspiegel ran a September 12 op ed by UNFPA critic Nicholas Eberstadt of the American Enterprise Institute, who wrote: “For years, the UN Population Fund has been seeking to justify its existence by issuing reports claiming that we must reduce birth rates in poor countries in order to achieve ‘sustainable development.’ While intuitively appealing, these ideas are not supported by evidence.” Ebserstadt added: “Fortunately for our troubled planet, ‘overpopulation’ is not a problem. With sensible policies, health and prosperity will continue to spread around the world, as will continuing improvements in nutrition and medicine.” He concluded: “By ignoring the potential of human beings, anti-natalists blame the poor for their poverty and propagate false solutions. The poor need economic freedom so they can raise themselves up, not sterile UN schemes.” Read: Der Tagesspiegel 

GUATEMALA: New Law Proposed on Violence against Women

Cerigua and Cimac Noticias reported September 19 that the Women’s Movement in Guatemala presented a law proposal on violence against women to members of the Commission of Human rights of the Guatemalan Congress. UNFPA and UNIFEM participated in the drafting of the proposal. Read: Cerigua, Cimac Noticias

GUATEMALA:  Indigenous Women have Poor Maternal and Reproductive Health

Cerigua reported September 17 that indigenous women’s maternal and reproductive health in Alta Verapaz face a somber and uncertain outlook. Health personnel are conducting a campaign to emphasize the importance of offering high-quality health services to women. The initiative is supported by UNFPA. Read: Cerigua

INDIA: Ambassador for MTV Talks about Trafficking

IndiaFM reported September 21 that Lara Dutta is the brand ambassador for MTV EXIT, (End Exploitation, and Trafficking). She was asked to talk about trafficking and now features in the documentary called “SOLD,” which deals with human trafficking. The story quoted Dutta as saying: “I was previously working on female infanticide and trafficking of brides with UNFPA. It is after the approach from MTV that I explored further into the details of human trafficking.” Read: IndiaFM

INDIA: Post-Earthquake Program Slow to Improve Primary Health Care Centers

Express India reported September 20 on the slow progress of the post-earthquake development program to improve primary health centers in the Patan district. The story noted that the department of health is planning to seek UNFPA accreditation for its facilities. Read: Express India

IRAQ: Aid Appeal Launched for Iraqi Refugees

Agence France-Presse reported September 18 that the WHO, UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP,  and UNFPA launched an appeal for $84.8 million to help more than two million Iraqi refugees in neighboring countries. "The funds are required to support host governments in meeting the health and nutrition needs of the displaced populations until the end of next year," the WHO said in a statement. Read: Agence France-Presse, Xinhua General News Service, Reuters

KENYA: Child Marriage in Kenya

East African Standard Magazine reported September 16 on the issue of child marriage. The story noted that according to UNFPA, early marriages perpetuate a cycle of ignorance and poverty, and can lead to high-risk pregnancies. "The girls are more vulnerable to HIV and AIDS, enter sexual relationships before they are ready, and bear children before they are physically ready," said Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, UNFPA’s Executive Director. She added, "The pregnancies can cause obstetric fistula, a tearing in the vagina that can lead to incontinence (uncontrolled passage of urine) and drive up rates of maternal mortality." Read: East African Standard Magazine

LEBANON: Population Web-based Databank to be Established

Almustaqabal reported September 12 that in an effort to respond to needs expressed by both users and producers of data and information in Lebanon, the UNFPA supported project "Population and Development Strategies (PDS) " at the Ministry of Public Health, has launched an initiative aiming at the establishment of a National Population and Development Web-based Databank. The PDS project organized a consultative meeting to discuss the process, methodology and expected outcomes of this initiative. Ms. Nayla Moawad, Minister of Social Affairs and UNFPA Assistant representative Ms. Asma Kurdahi in their speeches both stressed the importance of this initiative and emphasized the need for support and collaboration of all involved stakeholders to ensure its success. Read: Almustaqbal, Albayrak, Aliwaa (page 8)

LEBANON: More Assistance Pledged

Dar Alhayat reported September 11 that the interventions of Ambassadors and international organizations, during the donors conference, pointed to their emergency assistance previously granted to Lebanon and their willingness to offer more. The government, the UN, the World Bank  and donor countries will manage the trust fund which will hold monies to rebuild the camp and the surrounding communities. The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which cares for Palestinian refugees throughout the region, is seeking foremost to arrange temporary housing for the displaced living in public schools, said UNRWA Commissioner General Karen AbuZayd. UNRWA will be implementing activities in cooperation with its partners: Lebanese government, UNFPA, UNDP, UNICEF, ILO, UNHCHR, and non-governmental organizations.  Read: Dar Alhayat, Daily Star, Almarkazia

LIBERIA: Endowment Fund to Help Victims of Gender-Based Violence

The Inquirer reported September 13 that to advance the awareness and sensitization campaign of the provisions of the existing laws on gender-based violence, the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL) started an endowment fund to sustain victims of the crime. AFELL's president, Dewey Gray, spoke about the fund at the third town meeting, organized by AFELL in collaboration with the government of Denmark and UNFPA. Read: The Inquirer

MEXICO: Young People Undergo First Sexual Encounter without Protection

La Jornada, Rumbo de México, Once Noticias, El Universal, Publimetro reported September 12 that Elsa Santos, UNFPA consultant in sexual and reproductive health in Mexico, said that nearly 80 percent of young Mexicans do not use any protection during their first sexual encounter. The average use of contraceptives among young people fell from 45 to 39 percent between 2003 and 2006. The average age for sexual initiation is 16. This year, there will be 311,000 births among adolescents, representing 15.8 percent of the total number of births. Read: La Jornada, Rumbo de México, Once Noticias, El Universal

NIGER:  Traditional  Chiefs Trained in Family Planning

NIGERIA: International Day of Youth Celebrated

The Tide reported September 21 that youth from all states of the federation and the FCT converged recently to celebrate International Day of the Youth. The theme of this year’s celebration was, “Be Seen; Be Heard: Youth Participation in Development.” UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Obaid called for the establishment of youth guidance centers in some major cities. Obaid said the centers would serve as avenues for counseling young people on social vices. “Youths should see the celebration as a chance to reflect on issues that would better their lives individually and the nation at large” she said. Read: The Tide

NIGERIA: Nigerians Settle for Self-Medication

Daily Champion ran a September 13 story that Nigerians settle for self-medication or a few rich alternate between traveling abroad or visiting private hospitals for medical attention rather than patronize any of the general hospitals in the country. The story quoted Dr. Wale Alabi, the chief executive officer of Global Resources and Projects Nigeria Ltd., who said, "We have supplied medical and laboratory equipment to hospitals and organizations like, Society for Family Health, GHAIN/ Family Health International, United Nation Population Fund, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency as well as some state ministry of health.”

NIGERIA: Rivers State Tops Other States in Funding for UNFPA

The Tide reported September 14 that Rivers State is topping other states in the federation in funding of UNFPA activities. As part of World Population Day activities, a team of officials of the agency in Rivers State led by UNFPA Program Adviser Sam Faromoju, said the state pays its 10 percent annual counterpart contribution out of $20 million yearly budget of the international organization. Read: The Tide

OMAN: International Day of Peace Observed

Gulf News reported September 21 that Oman marked the International Day of Peace with senior officials and scholars speaking on the subject of peace, ceasefire and non-violence. The event was jointly organized by Rajyoga Education and Research Foundation, an NGO affiliated with UNFPA and UNICEF. Dr. Noora Al Nahedh, UNPFA representative attended the function. Read: Gulf News

OPT: Palestinians Ready for Second Census

AFP reported September 11 that the Palestinian Department of Statistics will conduct a population census in the West Bank, Gaza and Jerusalem in the middle of political conflicts, after Hamas taking over Gaza strip.  The largest share of the budget to conduct the census was provided by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund and UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, Norway, Switzerland, Holland and Saudi Arabia, but 20 per cent of the budget is still lacking.  Read: AFP

PAKISTAN: Population Council Vice President Lectures on Alternative Demographic Futures

The Nation reported September 10 on a lecture on Alternative Demographic Futures for Pakistan, by the eminent demographer Dr. John Bongaarts who is the Vice President of the Population Council. The lecture was attended by senior bureaucrats, policy planners, academics and researchers. Dr. G.M Arif, Dean Social Sciences PIDE, and Dr. France Donnay, UNFPA country representative, also spoke at the event.

PARAGUAY: Agreement Signed to Support Migration Policy

PPN, Neike, Ultima Hora and ABC reported September 20 that UNFPA and the International Organization for Migration signed an agreement with the General Direction for Migration to contribute to strengthening the government’s capacity to implement policy and regulate the law. Read: PPN, Neike

PARAGUAY: National Congress to Discuss Safe Motherhood

PPN reported September 17 that the Commission of Equity, Gender and Social Development of the Senate, with the support of UNFPA, will organize a working breakfast with parliamentarians in the National Congress. The objective of the meeting is to present a strategy for safe maternity and review the results of the study, “The cost of medicines to prevent the main causes of maternal mortality in Paraguay,” produced and published by UNFPA. Read: PPN

PHILIPPINES: Difficult Pregnancies in Tinoc and Asipulo

The Philippine Daily Inquirer’s September 19 story noted that Chi Vallido, deputy director of the Philippine NGO Council for Population, Health and Welfare, said a study commissioned by UNFPA, noted that the towns of Tinoc and Asipulo have one of the highest rates of difficult pregnancies among its 30 pilot areas. She said this occurred even if Ifugao has among the highest rates of prenatal visits. Read: Philippine Daily Inquirer

PHILIPPINES: Ifugao Officials Press for New Reproductive Health Care Act

The Philippine Daily Inquirer reported September 13 that after coming out with its own provincial reproductive health code last year, Ifugao officials want to spearhead the campaign for a national reproductive health bill. During a recent forum, Ifugao mayors vowed to call on their allies to bolster support for the new House Bill 812 or the Reproductive Health Care Act. The story noted that Mayors Armando Domilod (Asipulo), Lino Madchiw (Banaue), Pablo Cuyahon (Hungduan) and Jonathan Cuyahon (Kiangan) attended the forum organized by UNFPA and the Philippine NGO Council for Health, Population and Welfare. Read: Philippine Daily Inquirer

ROMANIA: Immigration Needed to Flow from Outside EU

Xinhua General News Service reported September 18 that Romania needs immigration flows from outside the European Union to ensure a selective access into the country, Romanian President Traian Basescu said at an international conference "Romania's population, where to?" The two-day conference was attended by representatives of the Senate, the government, the employers' unions and trade unions, UNFPA, alongside European parliamentarians as well as local and foreign experts, and widely covered in Romanian media. Read:  Xinhua General News Service

 MediaFax, TVR, Forbes, People's Daily Online, Hot News, AFP/Ekathimerini, B92 (58 more article were published in different national online newspapers)

RUSSIA: Migration and Development in Russia

Russian PR Portal reported September 14 from a conference;  "Migration & Development", the issue of migration being ranked as key for the future development of the country. One of the main organizers of the conference was UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund. Read:  RASO

RUSSIA AND BELARUS: Compliments for UNICEF Representative

The Moscow Times ran a September 10 feature story on Carel de Rooy, UNICEF representative for Russia and Belarus. UNFPA Representative in Russia Sietske Steneker, who has worked with De Rooy on many projects, described De Rooy by saying: “He is a very driven person, somebody who really believes in what he is doing and that makes him a very effective advocate for children. If you work for him, you really have to work.” Read: Moscow Times

RWANDA: Youth Struggling after Years of Conflict

IRIN reported September 20 that 12 years after the massacres of 1994, Rwanda's younger generations are struggling to cope with their lives. According to UNFPA, more than half of the country's population is under the age of 25, with 15- to 24-year-olds accounting for nearly a quarter. Read: IRIN

SUDAN: Women Speak Up about Janjaweed Violence

The Sunday Times (UK) reported September 23 that on the plight and resilience of Darfuri women who have been subjected to bandits preying on them since 2003. The story noted that today, with most people in central Darfur living in camps, the women are most vulnerable when they leave the camps to collect firewood and hay. It used to be men’s work; now it’s yet another task performed by the women. Gladys Atinga, who runs UNFPA’s gender-based violence program in Southern Darfur, says this is also causing a profound change. “Many women have lost their husbands because of the war. They see the remaining men taking advantage of the war, protesting that they’re targets of the killers, so can’t collect firewood. They see how irresponsible and useless the men have become.” The story posed the question, “What will happen to the children of the raped Darfuri women, to the babies of the Janjaweed?” It concluded: “If the children’s mothers are brave enough to care for them in the first place, they will perhaps be integrated within their communities. ‘A blind eye will be turned towards their paternity,’ says Pam Delargy of UNFPA. ‘A general amnesia will take place.’ Read: The Sunday Times

SUDAN: South Sudan, Darfur Ready for National Population Census

Sudanese Media Center (SMC) reported September 12 that sixty per cent of the preparations for the Fifth National Population Census in South Sudan and Darfur States have been completed and final arrangements would be done during October. The Census would be conducted in all the security-stable towns, villages and IDP camps in the three States of Darfur in coordination with UN, including UNFPA, and Civil Society representatives, stated the Director of Central Bureau of Statistics, Professor Awad Haj Ali while addressing the workshop on the Population Census and its impact on development.  Read:
SMC, Alsahafa

SWAZILAND: UNFPA Presents Office Equipment to HIV/AIDS Prevention

Swazi Observer’s September 21 feature story on the presentation of office equipment donated by UNFPA to the Swaziland Uniform Service Alliance on HIV/AIDS. UNFPA Representative Aisha Camara-Drammeh said UNFPA expects its donation to go a long way in strengthening HIV prevention strategies.

SWAZILAND: Survey on Sexual Violence Conducted

IRIN reported September 17 that one in every three female Swazis has experienced some form of sexual violence before turning 18, and two out of three aged 18 to 24, according to the National Survey on Violence Experienced by Female Children and Youths in Swaziland, conducted by the ministries of Health and Social Welfare, Education and Justice, NGOs like SWAGAA and World Vision, and other U.N. agencies such as UNAIDS, UNFPA and the WHO. Read: IRIN

SYRIA: The Practice of “Honor Killing” Examined

The New York Times Magazine ran a September 23 feature story on the harmful traditional practice of “honor killing” in Syria. The story noted that some advocates claim that Syria has an especially high number of honor killings per capita, saying that the country is second or third in the world. In fact, reliable statistics on honor killing are nearly impossible to come by. According to UNFPA, about 5,000 honor killings take place each year around the world, but since they often occur in rural areas where births and deaths go unreported, it is very difficult to count them by country. Read: The New York Times

SYRIA: Study on Unmet Need

TURKEY: Art Installation Based on Urbanization

Turkish Daily News reported September 21 on "Plastic City," a mobile installation art space by "Under Construction," a contemporary arts project supported by the Tepe Construction Company. Two young artists, Gamze Ozer and Hayzan Yuksel, have based their installation artwork, which is now on display on the topic of urbanity, by developing the concept of the "Plastic City." The story noted that according to UNFPA, 2008 is expected to be the first year in which more than half of the world's population will be living in urban rather than rural areas. Read: Turkish Daily News

UGANDA: MIHV Group Helps Nanseko Village with Family Planning

New Vision reported September 23 on Minnesota International Health Volunteers (MIHV)'s first "Family Planning Day" in Nanseko Village, focusing on raising awareness of family planning. The story noted that in a June 2007 study by UNFPA on reproductive health in Uganda, a woman from one focus group said: "I have six children and I pray that my husband will understand that I want no more." Read: New Vision

UKRAINE: Consultative Youth Council of UNFPA Formed

Youth Truth reported September 11 that several student organizations were selected as members of a Youth Consultative Council (YCC) for UNFPA  in Ukraine. The story said UNFPA works to sensitize the public about health issues and healthy lifestyle among young people.  Read: M Pravda

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: UNFPA and Police Meet

Emirates News Agency reported September 13 that Lt. General Dhahi Khalfan, Chief of Dubai Police received Dr. Noura Nahidh, UNFPA representative in the Gulf Region to discuss areas of cooperation.

UNITED KINGDOM: Investigation Underway after Woman Dies Giving Birth

East Anglian Daily Times reported September 14 that an investigation is underway after a young woman recently died after giving birth at Ipswich Hospital. The story noted that in 2003 the United Nations found that the chances of death in childbirth and pregnancy are one in 3,300 in Britain. A group of three agencies – the WHO, UNICEF, and UNFPA – collaborated on the report.

UNITED STATES: U.S. Funding for UNFPA Denied for Sixth Year in a Row

St. Petersburg Times ran a September 23 editorial criticizing the United States Congress’ decision to withhold appropriated funding for UNPFA. The editorial concluded: “Congress is considering its 2008 appropriation to UNFPA. Unfortunately, an amendment to the foreign operations appropriation measure sponsored by Republican Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas continues to allow Bush to withhold the UNFPA monies at his discretion. It looks like once again women's health will be sacrificed for political reasons.” Read: St. Petersburg Times

The Republican ran a September 14 editorial criticizing the United States’ denial of funding for UNFPA for the sixth straight year. The editorial noted that President Bush has threatened to veto any efforts by Congress to overturn the law that allows the president to remove taxpayer funding from any overseas family group that supports abortion counseling. The editorial concluded: “And now he is threatening to kill a bill that would contribute to the reproductive health and well-being of women across the world. Opposed to women's health? That would be some legacy.” Read: The Republican, Women’s Enews

Times Argus ran a September 16 op ed by Anika Rahman, president of Americans for UNFPA, who wrote that by denying U.S. funding for UNFPA for the sixth straight year, “the president is adhering to the unreasonable demands of his most conservative political base, rather than the views of the majority of Americans.” She noted, “Withholding U.S. funding for UNFPA undercuts the administration's alleged commitment to the health and rights of women, while also destabilizing the scope and breadth of its activities.” The opinion piece concluded: “It is in the strategic interest of the United States to develop a solid policy on global women's health that is not a political football, offered when one party is in control and withheld under another. It is our hope that you will help hold the administration accountable for its egregious actions.” Read: Times Argus

URUGUAY: Country Receives $38.5 Million in Remittances

Uruguay al Día reported September 13 that Uruguay received an annual average of $38.5 million in remittances, according to the National Institute of Statistics. 31per cent of people who migrated between 2000 and 2006 sent remittances to their places of origin. The United States and Spain receive per cent of Uruguayan migrants. The study titled, “Report on International Migration,” was carried out by the National Institute of Statistics, UNDP, IOM and UNFPA. Read: Uruguay al Día

VIETNAM: Country Selected as First to Enact U.N.’s One Initiative

Vietnam News Service reported September 14 that the initial success of the United Nations One Initiative in Vietnam has emboldened the UN to select Vietnam as its first member country to involve in the common action plan to carry out its reforms program. The story noted that under the common action plan between Vietnam and the U.N., six U.N. bodies operating within the framework of the coherence program include UNICEF, UNDP, UNFPA, UNAIDS, UNIFEM, and United Nations Volunteers. Read: Vietnam News Service

YEMEN: Agreement on Media Plan Signed

Yemen News Agency reported September 23 that the Ministry of Information signed an agreement with UNFPA on implementing the media activities' plan of the Fourth National Conference on Population. The agreement was signed by the deputy of information ministry, the executive secretary-general of the Information and Population Communication General Program Younis Hassan and UNFPA Representative in Yemen Hans Obdeijn.

ZAMBIA: A Lack of Condoms

IRIN reported September 13 on the lack of condom availability in Zambia. According to Deji Popoola, UNFPA country representative, which works to improve general and reproductive health, having condoms readily available in all public places would drastically reduce the country's HIV infection rate. "Condoms must be readily available universally, either free or at low cost, and promoted in ways that help overcome social and personal obstacles to their use. Condom use is more likely when people can access them at no cost, or at greatly subsidized prices. The need to expand and diversify distribution of both male and female condoms cannot be over-emphasized if we are to achieve the goals of comprehensive condom programming, and ensure access and availability to all sexually active Zambians," Popoola said. Read: IRIN

ZIMBABWE: Central Statistical Office Update

The Herald reported September 21 that the Central Statistical Office updated Zimbabwe Statistical Database 2007, which seeks to promote the use of common statistics by all. Speaking at the launch, principal director in the Ministry of Finance Pfungwa Kunaka said the database would enhance evidence-based decision making in Zimbabwe. Kunaka applauded the UNFPA for providing funding and technical expertise in the production of the database. Read: The Herald

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