UNFPA IN THE NEWS — SEPTEMBER 24-OCTOBER 7, 2007

DELIVER NOW FOR WOMEN+CHILDREN ADVOCACY DRIVE LAUNCHED

Asian News International reported September 26 on the launch of a major advocacy drive entitled, “Deliver Now for Women + Children,” to cut maternal and child mortality rate. The story noted that women leaders of the United Nations discussed “Saving 77 Million by 2015: Advancing the Health of Women and Children.” At the United Nations, Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro, WHO Director-General Margaret Chan and UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Obaid  demonstrated their commitment to improve maternal health and reduce child mortality. Read: Asian News International, UN News Centre

Inter Press Service reported October 2 on “Deliver Now for Women+Children,” a global coalition of governments and organizations, launched to drastically improve pre- and post-natal healthcare in countries with inadequate maternity care. “Deliver Now for Women+Children" – a reference to the pledge made by 189 world leaders meeting at the United Nations seven years ago to reduce child deaths by two-thirds and maternal deaths by three-quarters by 2015 – it brings together local government agencies, civil society, media and others to allocate existing health resources more effectively. UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid emphasized that that stronger leadership and commitment to make women's health a priority is critical. "Most important is that we work all together to achieve the goal," she said.

Belarus: Belta News reported October 1 that the new global initiative aiming at reducing maternal and children death rates is launched. UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid welcomed the initiative, "Deliver Now for Women+Children", saying  "no woman should die, giving life; no child should be deprived from hope". Read: Belta News

POPULATION AND URBANIZATION

CNN.com’s September 25 story by Ann Hoevel noted that this year is the first year that rural and urban populations are nearly equal, according to UNFPA's annual report. According to Lawrence Smith, president of the Population Institute, 97 percent of world population growth between now and 2050 will occur in the developing world, where governments face serious economic and social challenges. Health care – and the lack of it – is also a factor in the rising populations in developing countries, according to Stan Bernstein, UNFPA senior policy adviser. "We've seen a global trend of people wanting smaller families, but in the poorer settings that's not quite the case yet," Bernstein said. "And it's certainly not the case within countries that the poor [do not] have access to the kinds of services that the wealthy avail themselves of." Read: CNN.com

Japan: The Japan Times ran a September 26 editorial noting that UNFPA’s 2007 State of the World Population report found that, for the first time in history, more than half the world population or 3.3 billion people, will be living in urban areas in 2008. The editorial concluded: “It is clear that cities in the developing world will need help from the outside as they strive to ‘improve the nature and form of future urban expansion.’ Japan should not hesitate to join an international effort to provide analyses and know-how that can be used to make such cities a better place to live.” Read: Japan Times

 CAMPAIGN TO END FISTULA

NewIndPress featured an October 6 interview with Australian singer/songwriter Natalie Imbruglia who spoke about her role as an official spokesperson for the U.N.-backed Campaign to End Fistula. When asked how she got involved in the campaign, she responded: “I was talking to Richard Branson about wanting to get more involved in a charity and he thought I would be drawn to fistula, and he was right. I became an Ambassador for Virgin Unite and they linked me up with UNFPA, the agency leading the Campaign to End Fistula. I was horrified that I had never heard about fistula before, so within weeks I was on a plane to Nigeria and Ethiopia to learn more about it.” Read: NewIndPress

Darfur: Dar AlHayat (Lebanon) ran a story September 27 about  Halima, 26 years, from Darfur in Sudan who sa fter two and a half days of obstructed labour with the help of a traditional birth attendant, was fighting for her life and that of her baby when she was taken to the Nyala hospital, 60 kilometers away from her village. Destiny spared her life but not the newborn, and left her with a debilitating medical condition called fistula: an injury that affects thousands of women in Sudan, Egypt and Morocco every year and causes them to be ostracized by society and their own families. The story noted that a global campaign to end fistula is being led by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund.  Read: Dar AlHayat

INTERNATIONAL MEETING FOR STANDARDIZATION OF CONDOMS

Korea Times reported October 7 that about 100 experts from 50 nations gathered for the 24th Meeting of International Organization for Standardization of Condoms. Participants were from the WHO, UNFPA, Population Services International and the Korea Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Read: Korea Times

ARMENIA: Abortion Rate Reduced in Armenia

Armenian Info reported September 26 that in Armenia the number of abortions went down during the current year in comparison with the last two years. Reduction in the number of medical interventions in unwanted pregnancies was resulted from the joint efforts between the Armenian government and UNFPA  through programs on family planning. Read: Armenia Info

CÔTE d'IVOIRE: Asking for Census Support

Fraternité Matin reported September 24 that Paul-Antoine Bohoun Bouabré, Minister for Planning and Development in Cote d'Ivoire, met with UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya A. Obaid in New York as he was attending the 62nd UN General Assembly. At the center of their discussion was financial support for the  planned 2008 population census in the country. Read: Fraternite Matin 

CÔTE d'IVOIRE: Hospital Refurbished and Equiped

Fraternité Matin reported September 24 on the success of the UNFPA supported project «Manu River Union & Côte d’Ivoire». The story was about the re-opening of a newly refurbished and equipped hospital that will serve a large population that previously had to travel far to reach medical services. The hospital has a new laboratory that makes HIV and other tests readily available.  The project was financed by the African development bank and implemented by UNFPA.  Read: Fraternite Matin 

EASTERN AFRICA: Preparation for Census Continues

East African reported October 2 that the East African Community member states will soon start applying uniform methods of collecting data for census and social statistics. This phase follows last month's signing of a memorandum of understanding between the EAC and UNFPA, which allows for the preparation of a project document to enable partner states to harmonize their statistics, methodologies and tools. The two-year project will cost $900,650, with the UNFPA and the EAC contributing $737,650 and $163,000, respectively. Read: East African

ETHIOPIA: Youth and Poverty

Pan African News Agency’s September 24 story noted that with 40 per cent of its nearly 80 million people younger than 15 years, Ethiopia faces a multitude of social, economic and, even, political challenges. The story mentioned that the World Bank estimates that 47 per cent of the population lives below the poverty line. According to UNFPA, 30 per cent of urban Ethiopian girls aged 10 to 14 do not live with their parents. Read: Pan African News Agency

GUATEMALA: Female Leadership

Prensa Libre reported September 24 that the Ambassador of Sweden Ewa Werner Dahlin called for female participation in politics through the campaign, "More women, better policy." UNFPA Guatemala Representative Nadine Gasman emphasized the importance of the involvement of women in the political arena. Read: Prensa Libre

INDIA: Campaign to Stop Sex Selection Begins

Express India reported September 24 that the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has launched a campaign titled “Stop Sex Selection: Doctors Can Make a Difference” against prenatal sex determination, in collaboration with UNFPA. Read: Express India

INDIA: "She Creates" Film Project

DNA India reported October 2 on the She Creates project of five short films on issues like sex work, gender discrimination, female feticide and dowry deaths. “When we started out, we were not sure whether we will be able to learn or do anything. Today, we are already planning our next film,” said 16-year-old Vibhuti Joshi from Rescue Foundation, an NGO that works with victims of trafficking and prostitution. The story noted that efforts are underway to screen them on television channels and at film festivals. UNFPA is the co-sponsor of the event. Read: DNA India

LEBANON: AIDS on the Increase in Arab World

Dar AlHayat reported October 4 that HIV is now spreading in the Arab World at alarming rates. According to UNAIDS 2006 estimates, out of an estimated 40 million people living with HIV/AIDS worldwide, 460.000 were registered in the Middle East and North Africa region, 68.000 new infections among adults and children, and around 37.000 people in the Region died of AIDS.  IThe story noted that UNFPA participates in global campaigns to combat HIV/AIDS like the one conducted in the Occupied Palestinian Authority, which covered  five universities in West Bank and Gaza strip, where more than one thousand university students participated in the campaign, including awareness and prevention activities.  Read: Dar AlHayat

MEXICO: Concerns about Adolescent Mothers

La Jornada, Reforma, Rumbo de México, Radio Formato 21 (790 am), Radio Antena radio/Horizonte 107.9 and Agencia Notiese reported September 27 that while observing "The National Day to Prevent Unwanted Adolescent Pregnancy," it was revealed that young girls are forced to confront rejection or prejudice when they seek sexual and reproductive health services to prevent unwanted pregnancies. UNFPA Mexico Representative Arie Hoekman was quoted as saying that that five million abortions occur every year.

MOLDOVA: "In mid 21st century, Moldova will be old, sick and almost empty"

Regnum and Moldova Azi reported October 3 that a recent report released by the National Bureau of Statistics of Moldova revealed that the number of people working outside the country is about 344,000. According to recent estimates by the United Nations Population Fund this situation will not change - low birth rate, negative natural increase, mass migration of the population, and  in mid 21st century Moldova will be old, sick and almost empty country. Read: Regnum, Moldova Azi

MOZAMBIQUE: Popular Youth Project Expanded

NAMIBIA: Students Participate in HIV/AIDS Quilts Project

New Era reported October 4 on the Polytechnic HIV/AIDS Quilts Project to encourage youth to live healthy and productive lives. The story noted that various companies and schools contributed to the first two phases of the Polytechnic HIV/AIDS Quilt Project, including among several organizations, UNFPA.

NEPAL: UNFPA Aids Mothers after Arson and Pogroms

Nepali Times ran a September 28 opinion piece by Dr. Aruna Uprety questioning the motives behind the arson and pogroms that happened two weeks ago. Uprety noted: “A pregnant woman was going into labor. As a doctor, I was asked to help, but after examining her I could tell that the baby was dead. It was now important to save the mother and she needed immediate medical evacuation. With help from the ICRC and UNFPA we got her out to Butwal.”

NIGERIA: UNFPA Lauded for Efforts in Rivers State

The Tide reported September 30 that due to UNFPA’s health initiatives, Chief Etete-Owoh noted a remarkable improvement on health in the Rivers State.  UNFPA Project Adviser Sam Faromoju said that the agency had health equipment to 85 Primary Health Centers and 14 General Hospitals in the 17 project local government areas in the state. Read: The Tide

NIGERIA: UNFPA Trains Teachers on HIV/AIDS Prevention

This Day reported September 28 that UNFPA has moved to stem the spread of HIV/AIDS in Borno State by training 320 teachers in 80 pilot schools on controlling the transmission among youth in the state's secondary schools. According to the Borno State Project Director, Advocacy and Gender Component of the UNFPA, Bata Balami, the training is centered at meeting the universal target of reducing maternal mortality by 75 percent by year 2015. Read: This Day

The Tide reported October 3 that the Sokoto State Ministry of Education developed a curriculum in the fight against HIV/AIDS, UNFPA Program Adviser Dr. Aliyu Yakubu said. He said the curriculum is being successfully implemented in all secondary schools across the state. Yakubu had said at the opening of a two-day workshop for Principals of the 30 Pilot Secondary Schools of the UNFPA that the workshop aimed at sensitizing the principals on the “pre-requisites” of the project. Read: The Tide, This Day

NIGERIA: Kebbi State to Set Up Data Bank

The Tide reported October 3 that UNFPA will assist Kebbi State in setting up a data bank for record keeping and planning, said Dr. Yusuf Lawal, UNFPA program adviser. He said that staff of local government councils would collect reproductive health-related data to find the maternal mortality rate. He also said the government distributed 12 anti-shock garments worth N600,000 to government hospitals, clinics and dispensaries for use by women in labor. Read: The Tide

NIGERIA: Government Encouraged to Participate in Reducing Maternal Mortality

The Guardian ran a September 27 editorial that noted UNFPA recently found that the country’s maternal mortality rate is one of the worst in the nation. The editorial further noted that UNFPA listed the main causes of pregnancy-related deaths as bleeding, infections, hypertensive disorder and obstructed labor. The editorial concluded that in order to bring down the maternal mortality rates, “Government should also subsidize obstetric care in order to reduce the cost of access to medical center.”

NORTH KOREA: Typhoon Aid Positioned to Make Up Funding Shortfall

UN News Centre reported September 25 on last week’s Typhoon Wipha that compounded the woes of hundreds of thousands of North Koreans already suffering from the August floods. The story noted that United Nations agencies are pre-positioning food for a new distribution and appealing to donors to make up the funding shortfall. The story noted that the WHO is working with the Health Ministry to improve the quality and expedite analysis of disease surveillance, while UNFPA is distributing emergency kits for family planning and safe and clean delivery for 300,000 displaced persons. Read: UN News Centre

OMAN: Voting Registration Increasing

Gulf News reported October 3 on the significant increase in voting registration for the country's second open elections to the Majlis Ashura (Advisory Council), according to Interior Minister Saeed Saud Bin Ebrahim Al Busaidy.  "Nearly 52 percent of Oman's population is over the age of 21," a spokesperson for UNFPA said. Read: Gulf News

PHILIPPINES: Congress Wants 1 Billion Pesos for Family Planning Measures

AHN reported October 4 that with a population expected to reach over 90.5 million next year, the Philippines Congress wants 1 billion pesos ($22 million) to spend on family planning measures. The amount far exceeds the 30 million pesos (about U.S. $600,000) currently allotted by the Department of Health for population programs, which includes funding for condoms and contraceptive pills. It will be a "political statement," said Rep. Edcel Lagman, chairman of the Lower House appropriations committee, considering it will be the first time that Congress will set aside funds for "reproductive health, responsible parenthood and population development." The story noted that UNFPA – a major donor to the country's population program – has criticized the Arroyo administration for its population policy, claiming the government might miss its poverty reduction targets. The total fertility rate (which measures the number of children women can expect in a lifetime) stands at 3.3, one of the highest in Asia, the UNFPA points out. Read: AHN

PHILIPPINES: Book Launched to Promote Breastfeeding

Philippine Daily Inquirer reported September 29 on advancing the breastfeeding movement. The story noted that the Department of Health and the World Health Organization launched Bukal sa Dibdib by Maia Jose. This 138-page book is dedicated to supporters of breastfeeding to inspire mothers to get back to the culture of breastfeeding. The story noted according to Suneeta Mukherjee, UNFPA representative in the Philippines,  the book is another valuable addition to promote, protect and defend human rights, and reproductive rights of every Filipino woman, and young person.

SOLOMON ISLANDS: 2008-2012 Action Plan to Be Reviewed

Solomon Times reported October 5 that during a joint two-day meeting, the Solomon Islands Action Plan for 2008-2012 will be reviewed within the context of the United Nations Development Assistance Framework for the Pacific. Participating United Nations organizations, notably UNDP, UNICEF, and UNFPA, see this event as a major opportunity to expand the strong partnership with the Solomon Islands. Read: Solomon Times: Oct. 4, Oct. 5

SUDAN: UNFPA Holds Session on Displaced People
Suna News Agency reported October 3 that during a session on displaced people organized by UNFPA, Secretary General of the Humanitarian Aid Commission in South Darfur State Jamal Yousif expressed his appreciation for UNFPA’s efforts.

SYRIA: Workshop for Scenario Writers

Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported October 6 that the Ministry of Information in cooperation with UNFPA organized in Damascus a workshop targeting researchers and scenario writers to discuss developmental and population issues, including violence against women; family planning and young people.  Read: SANA

 SWAZILAND: UNFPA Presents Donations to Charity Program

Swazi Observer reported October 4 that UNFPA and other organizations presented donations to the Philani Maswati Charity Organization. UNFPA donated 300 food hampers, 700 basins and 700 emahiya. UNFPA Aisha Camara Drameh said UNFPA is willing to share notes with Philani to improve strategies of caring for the elderly.

SWAZILAND: 2007 Population and Housing Census Figures Released

Times of Swaziland reported September 28 that Swaziland’s provisional results of the 2007 Population and Housing Census found the country stood at 953,524. The census also found that the population has been declining over the past 10 years. UNICEF and UNFPA were listed as assisting agencies.

UGANDA: Chairman Criticizes NGOs for Lack of Government Input

New Vision ran a September 24 op ed by Norbert Mao, Gulu district chairman, who criticized NGOs for operating with little government input in the current emergency situation. Mao noted: “After receiving our letter, [MSF-Spain] approached the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance asking them to intercede on their behalf. They also said they regretted their actions and were willing to improve.” Mao noted, “Subsequent meetings with our District Health Officer, the World Health Organization, UNFPA, and UNOCHA showed that the substance of our concerns were legitimate.” Read: New Vision

UNITED STATES: Population Decline and Growth

Los Angeles Times ran a September 26 op ed by Barbara Crossette about industrialized nations fretting about their declining population and the more pressing problem that developing nations are unable to control their growth. Crossette noted, “When foreign aid priorities are set, family planning is no longer high on the list.” Crossette mentioned President Bush has just barred for the fifth year U.S. government contributions to the U.N. Population Fund, noting that the agency does more work in more countries than any other family planning organization. The opinion piece concluded: “Wouldn't it be better to help developing nations achieve workable population levels through family planning in the long term, while filling current gaps in the working-age population of rich nations through immigration? Shortsightedly, Europe and Japan seem to recoil at such thoughts. They would rather have more babies. Does the world really need them?” Read: Los Angeles Times

UNITED STATES: U.S. Funding for UNFPA Denied Again

The Kansas City Star ran a September 26 editorial noting “President Bush uses virtually every dodge available to undercut foreign aid to women who cannot afford contraceptives.” The editorial noted the latest reiteration of Bush policy – for the sixth year – prevents money from going to UNFPA, although appropriated by Congress. The editorial concluded:  “By law, no federal dollars can pay for abortion-related expenses. So the so-called "global gag rule" is not really about preventing U.S. funding of abortion, but about withholding family-planning aid. Unless Congress prevails over the White House, the result will be more abortions and more childbirth-related deaths.” Read: Kansas City Star

New Haven Advocate ran a September 27 opinion piece by Andy Bromage who noted Presidential candidates and Senators Chris Dodd, Hilary Clinton, Barak Obama and Joe Biden were outmaneuvered by Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kansas, on votes deciding the fate of U.S. funding for UNFPA and the Mexico City Policy. The story noted that the Foreign Operations bill now goes to a House-Senate conference committee to work out the differences, but Sarah Craven, chief of UNFPA’s Washington office, said she doubts the final bill will remove the language that lets the president kill funds to the program. “I don’t remain very optimistic that that’s going to change during this current administration,” Craven said. “We remain hopeful the U.S. will rejoin the community of nations that support our work.” Read: New Haven Advocate

Journal Star ran a September 24 column by Don Walton on the upcoming race for Nebraska’s U.S. Senate seat. Walton noted that Julie Schmit-Albin was the target of considerable pressure and criticism from Republican leaders for handing the Nebraska Right to Life’s endorsement to the Democratic Senator Ben Nelson. Walton further noted: “On Sept. 6, she wrote, Nelson voted three times, along with Republican Senator Chuck Hagel, to effectively oppose funding for the United Nations Population Fund.”

UNITED STATES: 34 Million Friends of UNFPA Reaches $3.6 Million

St. Petersburg Times ran an October 1 letter to the editor by Jane Roberts, co-founder of 34 Million Friends of UNFPA, noting, “Your editorial lamenting the ‘defunding’ of the United Nations Population Fund by the Bush administration was right on target.” Roberts concluded: “When the first $34-million was withheld in 2002, Lois Abraham and I started asking 34-million of our fellow citizens to take a stand with at least one dollar: 34 Million Friends (www.34millionfriends.org) is alive and well and as of last week, $3.6-million had arrived from countless Americans. We are sending a wonderful message to the world from the American people.”

UNITED STATES: Americans for UNFPA Hold a Gala

UN News Centre reported October 3 that at Americans for UNFPA Gala for the Health and Dignity of Women, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon underscored the need to support UNFPA’s work. He encouraged Americans for UNFPA to continue their support for this vital UN agency, adding that by doing so they are “contributing directly to the health and dignity of women in nations all over the world.” The event honored three women from Niger, Mongolia and Cambodia, as well as four American women  for combining passion and entrepreneurship with social responsibility to advance the health and dignity of women.The group also honored Ted Turner with its Lifetime Achievement Award. Read: UN News Centre, Associated Press of Pakistan

The Morning Call reported October 4 that Maria Rodale, chairwoman of the Board of Rodale Inc. was honored by Americans for the UNFPA for her dedication and perseverance in promoting the health and dignity of women around the world. As the largest international nonprofit source of assistance to women, the UNFPA provides health-care services to women around the world.

VENEZUELA: Domestic Violence Campaign Launched

Inter Press Service reported September 27 on a series of unprecedented TV spots about domestic violence as part of a new campaign called, "Count to Three: You, She, Your Family. Bring out what's best in you. Stop the violence.” The story noted that Morelia Jimenez, an expert on gender issues with UNFPA, said Count to Three is "the first campaign against domestic violence to be entirely designed and produced in Venezuela," and that it seeks to influence advertisers and screenwriters for film and television. "We also want the U.N. system to adopt it as a cornerstone of its next regional campaign, in the 16 days of action for a world free of violence against women, planned for Nov. 25 to Dec. 10," Jimenez said.

VIETNAM: Official Reiterates Effort to Foster Peace and Development

Vietnam News Service reported October 6 that at the 19th Plenary Session of the 62nd Session of the UN General Assembly held in New York, Nguyen Tat Thanh, Deputy Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations said, “Vietnam will continue to make every effort, together with countries and peoples of the world, to foster understanding and cooperation in the name of peace and development for all.” He said, “We commend the efforts by the Alliance of Civilizations, the Tripartite Forum on Interfaith Cooperation for Peace, the United Nations system, especially UNESCO and UNFPA as mentioned in the report of the Secretary General, in promoting and implementing this idea.” Read: Vietnam News Service

YEMEN: GBV Project Launched

Althawra News reported October 3 that UNFPA with its key national partners launched in Sana’a the first phase of the project to combat gender based violence. This project comes in response to current needs of existing programs identified by different stakeholders working in the field. The project will be implemented by the government, international organizations, donors and relevant non-government organizations. Read: Althawra News, Naba’a News

YEMEN: New Comedy Series

26 September reported September 27 that “Hayatona” ("Our Life") is a new TV soap opera that will be transmitted during the holy month of Ramadan.  This comedy will be performed by the elite of Yemeni drama stars. This soap opera is produced by the Ministry of Health with the support of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund.  It will address social, population and health issues in a witty and sarcastic manner. Read: 26 September

ZIMBABWE: Workshop Held on the Acceptance of Casual Sex in Light of HIV/AIDS

The Herald reported October 6 that the emergence and acceptance of concurrent relationships among Zimbabweans is putting many at risk of HIV infection, according to the Zimbabwe Demographic Health Survey. Speaking at a workshop on reporting population and development issues, a UNFPA official Caroline Nyamayemombe said: “Many men are no longer going to commercial sex workers for casual sex. Those who do, however, use condoms regularly. What is worrying is the emergence and acceptance of concurrent relationships whereby a person can have three or more sexual partners, which is seen as more acceptable or decent compared to paying a commercial sex worker for sex.” Nyamayemombe said UNFPA was studying this trend to determine what could be driving this type of behavior. Read: The Herald

ZIMBABWE: Doctor-Patient Confidentiality Policy Reviewed in Cases of HIV/AIDS

The Herald reported September 25 that the government has been called to review the doctor-patient confidentiality policy in cases where one partner goes for HIV testing and keeps it a secret from his or her spouse as the other partner had the right to know as well. The story noted that over the weekend UNFPA organized a workshop to educate legislators on incorporating women's rights into health policy, practice and constitutional provisions. Under Zimbabwean law, medical doctors are not allowed to reveal the health status of their patients to a third party, including that person's spouse without their consent. Read: The Herald

The Herald reported September 25 that despite a recent survey, poverty is not the key driver in the HIV/AIDS pandemic. While addressing female parliamentarians, UNFPA HIV/AIDS Program Officer Caroline Nayamayeombe said income disparity between men and women seemed to be the most important factors than absolute levels of poverty or wealth. She said wealthy and mobile segments of the population are also highly affected. 

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