UNFPA IN THE NEWS — OCTOBER 15-28 , 2007

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WOMEN DELIVER CONFERENCE OCTOBER 18-20 IN LONDON / RELEASE OF NEW MORTALITY ESTIMATES

UN News Centre reported October 22 that the Women Deliver conference concluded with participants pledging to bolster efforts to improve women’s health. The conference produced a final statement from the 70 government officials who pledged to make the Millennium Development Goal of improving maternal health “a high priority on the national, regional and international health agenda.” Their statement called for the “increased commitment of financial and human resources” to prevent maternal deaths and expand heath services. The story also noted that over the course of the conference, the United Kingdom pledged £100 million to UNFPA to advance women’s reproductive health globally, while the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation announced an $11 million plan to distribute new technology to protect against post-delivery blood loss in Nigeria and India. Read: UN News Centre

Inter Press Service ran an October 24 interview with UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid who spoke about the outcomes of the Women Deliver conference to improving maternal health. Obaid said the conference delivered a high level of attention to maternal health, adding, “The challenge is that it has now raised expectations; among ministers, NGOs, among us at the U.N., there is now a high expectation to deliver on the ground, so that is the big challenge coming out of it.” When asked about the low funding levels toward maternal health, Obaid responded by saying family planning has “suffered most.” Obaid said: “The three interventions we need here are, one, to have skilled birth attendants, the second is emergency obstetric care, and the third one is family planning, because if a woman can plan her family, and ensure spacing between her children, that is good for her and for the child. But investment in family planning went down in the last 20 years, with investment in HIV/AIDS rising to large amounts. Read: Inter Press Service

The New York Times reported October 19 that the British government announced that it would give UNFPA £100 million over the next five years to improve the health of mothers and reduce their odds of dying in childbirth. The story also noted that Norway recently promised $1 billion over the next decade for child and maternal health and the Netherlands committed $175 million over three years. Meanwhile, a coalition of advocacy groups pressed the United States government to increase its own spending, which it says has stagnated for maternal health and for some of the most common fatal childhood diseases. Read: The New York Times

BBC News wrote October 18 that the reasons why maternal mortality has not been tackled are political, rather than medical.
"The first and most important reason is a social issue: the low status of women. Leaders do not see the lives and health of women as a political priority, they invest in other sectors," said Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, Executive Director of UNFPA.  Women most at risk are often the most marginalised and vulnerable, living in countries with undeveloped health systems or in conflict situations, she added.  Read:  BBC News

African Science News Service reported October 16 that according to the recent study released by the WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA and the World Bank, eleven countries accounted for almost 65 per cent of global maternal deaths in 2005.  Nigeria at 59,000 is only second to India at 117,000.  In settings with high fertility, such as sub-Saharan Africa, women face this risk many times in their lifetime, the story said..
Read: African Science News Service 

Inter Press Service reported October 16 that ahead of Women Deliver, UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid declared, in this 21st century, when medical science and gender empowerment are rising progressively, "no woman should die giving life." She added: “It is unacceptable that one woman dies every minute during pregnancy and childbirth when proven interventions exist. Millions of lives are at stake, and we must act now." At the three-day conference, expected to have more than 1,500 participants, including health care professionals, high-level delegates and ministers from 35 developing countries and donor nations, advocates of women's rights and senior U.N. officials, Obaid said, "We will press all concerned to take unified action to improve the lives and health of women, mothers and newborn babies all over the world." Read: Inter Press Service, BBC News, Associated Press of Pakistan, Diario Monitor, Diario Co-Latino

UN News Centre reported October 15 that according to the recent study released by the WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA and the World Bank ahead of the Women Deliver conference, the number of women who die in pregnancy and childbirth is not declining fast enough to achieve the global target of reducing maternal deaths by three quarters by 2015. “Countries with the highest initial levels of mortality have made virtually no progress over the past 15 years,” the agencies said in a joint press release. Of the more than 535,000 women who died annually of maternal causes in 2005, 99 percent of them were in developing countries. Read: UN News Centre, Voice of America News

Salon.com reported October 18 on maternal mortality leading up to the Women Deliver conference. The story noted that since 1990, maternal mortality has barely dipped – falling less than 1 percent per year, according to a UNFPA report. “Leaders do not see the lives and health of women as a political priority," Thoraya Obaid UNFPA told the BBC. “They invest in other sectors.” Thus, nearly one-half of all the maternal deaths take place in sub-Saharan Africa where only half the women have any access to a trained birth attendant. In some cases, the battle for funding AIDS programs has left women's reproductive issues out in the cold. The story also highlighted that according to Obaid, UNFPA hasn't received a dime from the U.S. since 2002, when the Bush administration, under the influence of the pro-life lobby, accused the agency of promoting abortion. Read: Salon.com

Several media reported on the "Fistula Survivors" at the Women Deliver. As part of the Campaign to End Fistula, UNFPA sent a delegation of six fistula survivors to the conference to share their stories in panel events, plenaries and media interviews. On 18 October, BBC World Today aired interviews with two of the women, Sarah Kindangasi Omega of Kenya and Fatima Lawal Aliyu of Nigeria. Ms. Omega's testimony appeared the following day on BBC News Online, along with that of Nigerien advocate Halima Gouroukoye. UN Radio aired interviews with fistula advocates from three countries in Africa. And reporter Najia Houssary covered the testimonies of several women in her article for Al Hayat, published 1 November.  "Each woman has a story to tell, and these stories have encouraged others to reveal what they have been hiding for years," wrote Houssary.  Read: BBC News   Listen to the radio interviews here

Bangladesh: AHN reported October 20 that at the Women Deliver conference, Bangladesh Health and Family Welfare Advisor Matiur Rahman called for a United Nations General Assembly Special Session on maternal health to outline a global plan to reduce maternal mortality rates. The story noted that the proposal was unanimously accepted and incorporated in the ministerial declaration of the conference. On the sidelines of the conference, Matiur met UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, who praised Bangladesh's success in the areas of health and family welfare, particularly in improving reproductive health, and reducing maternal and infant mortality. Read: AHN, United News of Bangladesh

Brazil: Folha de Sao Paulo published an October 19 op ed by UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid ahead of the Women Deliver conference. In the op-ed, Obaid wrote about the importance of taking measures to stop maternal mortality in the world.

Cambodia: Rasmei Kampuchea reported October 18 on the Cambodian delegation’s participation in the Women Deliver conference. “The global conference aims at reducing the deaths of about 10 million women and girls caused by pregnancy and childbirth in each generation and about 4 million babies every years”, it quoted from UNFPA’s October 16 press release. The delegation comprised of technical officials from the Ministry of Health, Planning, Parliamentarians, civil society and media lead by H. E. Mr. Chhay Than, senior minister and minister of planning will be attending as to reconfirm the government’s commitment towards achieving MDGs.

Czech Republic: The Prague Post reported October 24, 2007 that at the Women Deliver conference, the United Kingdom, following the lead of Norway and the Netherlands, announced it will donate $204 million (4 billion Kc') to UNFPA to decrease maternal mortality and increase maternal health. 19. Read: Prague Post

Ghana: Accra Mail reported October 19 that at the opening of the Women Delivery conference, the British government pledged £100 million to UNFPA to achieve universal access to reproductive health. "Maternal health can be improved through strengthened political commitment and the dedication of increased resources. Life or death is a political decision," said UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid. "The United Kingdom's generous investment in women will enable UNFPA to provide urgent, coordinated and sustained action to save mother's lives. There can be no safe future without safe motherhood – no woman should die giving life." Read: Accra Mail

India: Times of India reported October 16 that more women die in India during childbirth than anywhere else in the world. Of the 536,000 women who died during pregnancy or after childbirth in 2005 globally, India accounted for 117,000.  Together, the regions of sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia accounted for 86 per cent of the world's maternal deaths in 2005. These shocking figures were revealed in the latest Maternal Mortality report compiled by the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, UNFPA and the World Bank. The story mentioned that home births are still common in India - accounting for almost 60 per cent of recent births.

Lebanon: Al Hayat wrote on October 18: "with shame, the UK Minister of International Development. Doglas Alexander, recounted the statistics released by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, stating that half million women lose their lives every year due to pregnancy and childbirth complications.  The minister described this reality as a scandal and a tragedy.  Read: Dar Alhayat

North Korea: Yonhap reported October 16 that the number of North Korean women who have died while giving birth rose drastically in 2005 from five years earlier due to worsening health care conditions in the impoverished communist state, according to a report by the WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA and the World Bank. Maternal mortality rose to 370 per 100,000 births in 2005 from 67 in 2000, according to the report.

New Zealand: The New Zealand Herald reported October 28 on efforts to improve maternal health in New Zealand. The story cited the WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA and the World Bank report released ahead of the Women Deliver conference that found the country had a rate of nine maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2005 (a total of five fatalities), a figure that is more than double the Australian rate of four per 100,000. Read: New Zealand Herald

Nigeria: Vanguard’sOctober 23 editorial noted that the WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA and the World Bank report released ahead of the Women Deliver conference found that with a population of over 140 million, Nigeria’s had 59,000 maternal deaths. India, with a population of over a billion recorded 117,000 deaths to trail Nigeria. The editorial called the ranking an “unenviable position” of a country with the highest percentage of maternal deaths in the world. It concluded: “If most of our leaders can shun corruption and be more patriotic, the current pathetic plight in the health sector can be remedied. Then, maternal deaths would be drastically reduced if not completely annihilated.” Read: Vanguard, Leadership

Norway: Verdens Gang reported October 18 on the lack of decrease in maternal mortality in low-income countries, referring to UNFPA numbers. Women’s situation and status is essential in explaining the reason, said Professor Berit Rostad. “A mother who can read and write can also obtain information on her own and others health” – investing in women’s education and improving their status will play a pivotal role in reducing maternal mortality by 75 per cent. The government of Norway is particularly focusing on MDG 4 and 5. Read in Norwegian: VG

Norway: Ahead of Women Deliver in London, WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA and the World Bank released a report that found women are dying from complicated pregnancies and childbirth at almost the same rate they were in 1990, with the vast majority of deaths occurring in sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia. “In this 21st century no woman should die giving life. Millions of lives are at stake and we must act now," said UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid. Read in Norwegian:  Aftenposten, Rogalands avis,  Bistandsaktuelt, Norge I Dag

Sweden: Sydsvenskan reported October 29  on new estimates for maternal mortality issued by WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA and the World Bank, focusing on the lack of progress.  Read in Swedish: Sydsvenskan

Tanzania: The Guardian reported October 16 that the WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA and the World Bank report released ahead of the Women Deliver conference found that Tanzania ranks 151 among 171 U.N. member states in lifetime risks of maternal mortality. The report said Tanzania’s position is just above Congo, Malawi and Burkina Faso and below Uganda and Zambia. The story noted that the Minister for Health and Social Welfare Professor David Mwakyusa led a Tanzanian delegation to the landmark conference in London. Read: The Guardian

United States: The Valley News ran an October 24 editorial that noted recent findings from a study on abortion by the WHO and the Guttmacher Institute point to the “utter folly” of withholding money from developing countries for family planning, as the anti-abortion Bush administration has done since 2002. The editorial noted: “The U.S. refusal to contribute to the United Nations Population Fund, an international aid agency that aims to improve reproductive health and thereby reduce poverty, is driven by a belief that to promote family-planning services is to promote abortion. And yet this U.N. agency, which operates in 150 countries, does not provide or pay for any abortion services.” The editorial concluded, “The current occupant has a dangerous habit of clinging to ideology even in the face of scientific fact and isn't likely to be moved by the consequences faced by poor women who lack access to the reproductive health services they need, even when those consequences include death.”

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported October 19 that House Democrat Gwen Moore of Milwaukee was one of four Democratic members of Congress attending the Women Deliver conference, organized by UNFPA and other groups. According to Moore's office, one in 4,800 women in the United States dies from complications of pregnancy and childbirth, meaning 40 countries have better statistics in this realm. "This is a serious problem that requires serious action," Moore said in a statement. The other members of Congress on the trip are Reps. Lois Capps and Hilda L. Solis of California and Louise Slaughter of New York. Donna Christensen, a Democrat who is the delegate in Congress from the Virgin Islands, is also attending the conference. Read: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

U.N. URGED TO RENEW FUNDING COMMITMENT TO WOMEN’S RIGHTS

Inter Press Service reported October 24 that civil society leaders are targeting the world's top policymakers as they gather in New York to discuss international funding for development and urge the U.N. to renew its commitment to women's rights. According to June Zeitlin, executive director of the Women's Environment and Development Organization, currently only 0.1 percent of the total official development assistance is being spent on gender equality. Activists urged the U.N. Economic and Social Council to ensure the effectiveness of the development process and they reiterated calls for the creation of a high-level U.N. entity to assess policy implementations on gender equality. Women leaders also criticized the world body for its failure to adequately fund women's initiatives and to demonstrate gender equality within its own rank and file. "Look at UNIFEM," said Zeitlin, referring to the U.N. women's agency. "Last year, its funding was only $57 million. By contrast, the U.N. Population Fund received about $565 million." Read: Inter Press Service, Women’s Enews

WORLD BANK REFOCUSES STRATEGY ON GLOBAL HEALTH

The Lancet’s October 27-November 2 issue reported on the “unprecedented” international attention, levels of development assistance, and number of global health organizations, initiatives, and foundations now focused on global health. The article noted, “In this complex climate, the World Bank has been forced to rethink its role in global health. As a first step, the bank recently completed a strategic planning process culminating in a new strategy for Health, Nutrition, and Population, to sharpen the bank's focus on results. The story noted the bank’s strategy underscores collaborative division of labour with global partners and leaves areas such as technical aspects of disease control, human resource training in health, and internal organization of service providers  to other organizations, particularly WHO, UNICEF, and UNFPA.

UNITED NATIONS DAY CELEBRATED

Botswana: Mmegi reported October 25 that during Botswana’s celebration of United Nations Day, U.N. country representatives said the country is on a good footing to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. The story noted that UNFPA Program Officer Moses Keetile said the country has realized significant poverty reduction from an estimated 47 percent in 1992 to 30.3 percent in 2002. Read: Mmegi, Daily News

Georgia: Caucasus Press reported October 19 that during the UN week, UNFPA hosted  a regional youth conference for the sixth year in a row. This year’s theme was “Young People for Health and Development”.

Jamaica: Jamaican Information Service reported October 23 that Jamaica joined the rest of the world in marking the 62nd anniversary of the United Nations. "We would like to use U.N. Day to sensitize individuals about the functions of U.N. agencies, types of assistance provided by all the agencies and ensure they are fully aware of how to access benefits," said Acting Resident Coordinator of U.N. agencies in Jamaica, Dr. Ernest Pate. The story noted that Jamaica also functions as the headquarters of the UN in the region, with 10 Resident Agency Offices in the island: UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, UNESCO, World Bank, ILO, UNAIDS, UNEP, PAHO/WHO, and WHO. Read: Jamaica Information Service

Kenya: IRIN reported October 24 that on U.N. Day, the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) Secretary-General Abbas Gullet was named as the U.N. in Kenya Person of the Year 2007 for his work in reforming the organization into a successful and partly self-financing operation. UN Resident Coordinator and UNFPA Representative Mustafa Kemal said Gullet was honored for his personal commitment in making the KRCS a world-class humanitarian agency. Read: IRIN

Liberia: The Analyst reported October 25 that during Liberia’s celebration of United Nations Day, Deputy Foreign Minister William Bull said the UN does much more than peace keeping. In Liberia, agencies such as the WFP, UNICEF, UNDP, UNHCR, UNIFEM, WHO, UNESCO, FAO and UNFPA have worked tirelessly to provide humanitarian assistance. Read: The Analyst

Turkey :Todays Zaman reported October 24 that the list of UN agencies in Turkey is impressive. The UN system in Turkey supports the reduction of poverty and provision of basic social services; and the promotion and protection of rights of women, children and youth. UNFPA, the United Nation Population Fund began working with the Turkish government in 1971. UNFPA has helped to improve reproductive health, particularly by supporting efforts to meet the needs of young people; promote gender equality; and enhance the collection, use, and dissemination of development data. Read: Todays Zaman

Uzbekistan: Turkish Weekly reported October 25 that the United Nations Office in Uzbekistan on 24 October released a publication entitled "UN and Uzbekistan: partners in development". It gives a brief overview of support that the UN and its programmes and agencies have been providing to Uzbekistan's development since 1993. These are UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, UNODC, UNESCO, WHO, and UNAIDS. Working in their mandated areas, the UN agencies place a special emphasis on supporting the most vulnerable groups of the Uzbek population – children, women, the disabled, low-income families and the elderly - so that they have access to improved health care, education and jobs. Read: Turkish Weekly

ENDING THE PRACTICE OF FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION

Azerbaijan News reported October 23 that dozens of experts from around the world met in Addis Ababa on ways to eradicate the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM). More than 100 million women and girls worldwide have undergone a form of FGM, which has serious physical and psychological effects. The WHO, UNFPA and UNICEF define this traditional practice as “the partial or total removal of the female external genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for cultural or other non-therapeutic reasons.” UNFPA, along with its development partners, convened a Global Technical Consultation on FGM discussed related issues of sexual and reproductive health, human rights and gender. In welcoming remarks, the Director of UNFPA Country Support Team in Addis Ababa, Benson Morah, stressed how entrenched the harmful practice is in some areas. Purnima Mane, UNFPA’s Deputy Executive Director, urged the international community to “do a better job to protect the millions of women and girls who are at risk every year.” Read: Demaz

INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ERADICATION OF POVERTY

Inter Press Service reported October 16 that women as the key for ending global poverty is receiving special attention at events marking the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. There will be four major tribunals held at the United Nations in New York, in Cairo, Egypt, Lima, Peru, and in Delhi, India presenting testimony on the worsening conditions of women worldwide, and discussing strategies to tackle the root causes at the political and economic level. The story mentioned UNFPA notes that worldwide, women on average earn slightly more than 50 percent of what men are earning, while women and girls are often the last to eat, and women's health problems are considered less important than other family priorities. Read: Inter Press Service

Women’s Enews reported October 16 that activists are mobilizing around the world to admonish governments for falling short on promises to eradicate poverty by 2015. Participants in women's tribunals will detail the female features of the shortfall and its solutions. The story noted that last week the WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA and the World Bank issued a joint report finding that the rate of decline in maternal mortality is too slow to meet the 2015 target. Read: Women’s Enews

Jordan: Jordan Times reported October 18 on Jordan’s observances of the U.N. International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Driven by the "Stand Up and Speak Out against Poverty" campaign, more than 2,500 students from Yarmouk and Muta universities and Muta School and some 100 representatives from UNESCO, the WHO, UNFPA and UNHCR, stood for one hour between 11:00 am and 12:00 pm to remind the government of its promise to achieve MDGs of reducing poverty in half by 2015. Read: Jordan Times

Zimbabwe: The Financial Gazette reported October 18 on the observance of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. The story noted that a number of events were held throughout Zimbabwe to mark the day, but the commemorations went mostly unnoticed by Zimbabweans engaged in the daily ordeal of standing in food queues. The story noted that UNFPA reports that worldwide, women on average earn only slightly more than half what men earn, while women and girls are often the last to eat. Read: The Financial Gazette

ANGOLA: Government’s Efforts to Combat Poverty Praised

Angola Press Agency reported October 26 that UNFPA Representative in Angola André Mayouya praised the Angolan government's efforts to combat poverty during a visit with acting speaker of the National Assembly João Lourenço. “When I arrived in Angola, almost all infrastructures at provincial and municipal levels were destroyed by the war, but now just before I leave, I can see that the Government`s social programme is having results, since all the provinces have a central hospital”, André Mayouya said, urging the government to work towards the rehabilitation of social infrastructures in every district of the country's provinces.  Read: Angola Press Agency,

ANGOLA: 5th Country Program Reviewed

Angola Press Agency reported October 19 that UNFPA Representative to Angola André Mayouya reviewed positive results from the 5th Country Program. At the review, Mayouya highlighted the importance of the government's involvement in the program and in the drafting of the next one. Read: Angola Press Agency, Xinhua General News Service

BAHRAIN: Workshop on Domestic Violence

The Gulf Daily News reported October 23 that at a workshop spotlighting domestic violence, Bahrain’s Social Development Minister Dr Fatima Al Balooshi said the government is drawing up a blueprint to combat and deal with family violence. The two-day event was being held in cooperation with UNFPA for the Gulf region. UNPFA adviser Faiza Benhadid, who conducted the workshop said, "The most important aspect in the plan will be to increase social awareness and limit the numbers of family violence cases," she said. "Support is also essential, in addition to mandatory training for people working in the health sector as they offer services to family violence victims." Read: Gulf Daily News

 
BANGLADESH: Four out of Ten Women in Dhaka Fall Victim to Domestic Violence

New Nation reported October 20 that domestic violence is still considered a "personal matter" and ignored by the community. Besides, the country does not have an effective domestic violence protection act. As a result Bangladesh ranks 4th highest in violence against women. According to UNFPA, 40 per cent of women fall victim to domestic violence in Dhaka city. Read: The New Nation

BELARUS: UNFPA to Assist Belarusian Population Census

AFN and Belarusian News reported October 22 that UNFPA has pledged to help the Belarusian government in conducting a population census in 2009. UNFPA plans to help the government prepare the country's statistics system for the population census. In technical terms, the 2009 population census in Belarus will considerably differ from what has been done in the previous census. The census will be conducted in cooperation between UNFPA and the Ministry of  statistics and will run until 2012. Read: AFN, Naviny

BOTSWANA: Workshop on Reproductive Health and Maternal Mortality

Daily News reported October 19 that at a five-day capacity building workshop on reproductive health, UNFPA Commodity Management Branch Chief Jagdish Upadhyay, said one woman dies from preventable complications related to pregnancy and childbirth every minute. Upadhyay said maternal mortality was a true violation of women’s right to life, health, well-being and human dignity. Read: Daily News

BULGARIA: Regional Centre for Peer Education Opened in Sofia

Sofia Echo reported October 18 that one quarter of all newly registered cases of HIV/AIDS infections in Bulgaria over the past several years involved people under 25 years old, Tonka Vurleva, national coordinator of the campaign against HIV/AIDS, said. Vurleva’s comments were made at the opening of a regional centre for investigation and peer education in Sofia, initiated by UNFPA. Read: Sofia Echo

BURKINA FASO: Maternal Health Campaign

BURUNDI: $4 Million Granted to Engage Youth in Peace Building

East African Business Week reported October 15 that UNFPA has granted the Burundian government $4 million to help the country engage youth in the peace-building process. The project to be executed by the Ministry of Youth and Sports for 2007 to 2008 is under an agreement signed between UNFPA and the Burundian government. Read: East African Business Week

CAMEROON: Commitment Made to Accelerate Reproductive Health Campaign

The Post reported October 25 that UNFPA and the Ministry of Public Health pledged their commitment to accelerate the reproductive health campaign in Cameroon. The story noted that UNFPA, led by Resident Representative to Cameroon Dr. Faustin Yao, donated medical equipment worth FCFA 45 million to the Ministry of Public Health in Yaounde on October 19. The equipment will be used to stem the occurrence of obstetric fistula, HIV/AIDS and other diseases. According to UNFPA, 162 cases of obstetric fistula were recently identified in the Adamawa, North and Far North Provinces. The story was also reported in Le Cameroun Tribune. Read: The Post

CARIBBEAN: Governments Better Equipped to Forecast Commodity Needs

Antigua Sun reported October 25 that Caribbean governments are now better equipped to forecast and estimate national reproductive health commodity needs to avert potential shortfalls. At a three-day workshop on reproductive health commodity security, UNFPA introduced participants to two computer-based commodity management tools: the country commodity manager and CHANNEL. “At the touch of a computer key, countries can track their stocks, as well as shipments,” Joseph Abraham, UNFPA technical specialist in the commodity management branch, said. “This means that they can identify possible shortages and therefore be in a position to replenish stocks in a timely manner.” Read: Antigua Sun

Antigua Sun reported October 24 that a better female condom, the FC2, will soon be available to the public, hopefully eliminating some of the barriers to the wider use of this form of contraception. The story noted that FC2 is still in the testing stages, but has been recommended by the WHO as being equivalent to FC1 and has already been given regulatory approvals in Europe, India, Brazil. There has reportedly been some resistance to the use of female condoms in the Caribbean, according to research conducted in August by UNFPA. The results were reported by UNFPA Officer for Barbados and the OECS Carmeta Douglin at the three-day Reproductive Health Commodity Capacity Building Workshop for English and Dutch Speaking Partners. The story noted that earlier in August, the UNFPA Female Condom Initiative conducted a Rapid Condom Needs Assessment in Jamaica, Trinidad, St. Lucia, Belize, Guyana and Suriname. Read: Antigua Sun

CAYMAN ISLANDS: 2007 Silent Witness March Held

Cayman Net News reported October 26 that the Human Rights Committee (HRC) joined an increasing number of individuals and other groups in the 2007 Silent Witness March held on October 18. Director of the Women’s Resource Centre and HRC member, Tammy Ebanks Bishop, delivered the keynote remarks. “Violence against women is viewed by many as the most pervasive yet least recognized human rights abuse in the world,” she said. “According to the United Nations Population Fund, as many as one in every three women around the world has been beaten, coerced into sex, or abused in some other way – most often by someone she knows, including by her husband or another male family member; one woman in four has been abused during pregnancy,” she stated. Read: Cayman Net News

CHINA: Urbanization Continues to Shrink Countryside

Associated Press reported October 23 that China's rural population continued to shrink as farmers streamed to booming cities, though a majority of people still lived in the countryside. A U.N. report released in June estimated that more than half of China's population will be living in urban areas within 10 years. UNFPA estimated that, in less than a decade, China will have 83 cities of more than 750,000 people. Read: Associated Press

COLOMBIA: Youth’s First Sexual Encounter Occurs without Protection

El Tiempo reported October 26 that a study by the Department of Health Secretariat showed high levels of teenage pregnancies in local towns: Barranca de Upia, Cabuyaro, San Juan de Arama, Uribe, La Macarena, Lejanías, Vista Hermosa, Castilla La Nueva, Cubarral, El Castillo and Puerto López y Puerto Gaitán. Research showed that currently the proportion of girls aged 15-19 who become pregnant or have given birth is at 21 per cent compared to 1990 at 12 per cent. Read: El Tiempo

COTE D’IVOIRE: Workshop Held to Reinforce NGOs in the Fight against HIV/AIDS

Xinhua General News Service reported October 24 that the U.N. Mission in Cote d'Ivoire is organizing a training workshop to reinforce NGOs in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The seminar was organized in collaboration with UNFPA and the ministry in charge of fighting HIV/AIDS. Read: Xinhua General News Service

COTE D’IVOIRE: UNFPA  Supports NGOs

COTE D’IVOIRE: "Poverty, Our Real Illness"

COTE D’IVOIRE: Opening of New Maternity Clinic  in Poor Neighbourhood

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: Rape as a Weapon in War

IRIN reported October 16 on sexual violence as a weapon in war in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The story noted that women are routinely raped by more than one man, violated in front of their families or tortured after the rape. "I think it is more a desire to destroy rather than getting any pleasure out of this act," said UNFPA’s Angela Kishabagasifa. "It's not about destroying an enemy. It's about destroying women." The story noted that UNFPA is conducting sensitization training at Bulengo camp on the outskirts of North Kivu's capital, Goma. Read: IRIN

DENMARK AND SRI LANKA: Free Education and Health Centres Essential in Fighting Maternal Mortality

Ugeskrift for laeger (weekly) reported October 22 that a World Bank study emphasizes the necessity of health centres, family planning and obstetric expertise in fighting maternal mortality. Chandani Galwaduge, UNFPA Programme Officer in Sri Lanka, said the country’s grass root system; centres with experts offering medical assistance and paying home visits, as well as the importance of free education for girls and good infrastructure is the key to Sri Lanka’s success. Read in Danish: Ugeskrift for Læger

DENMARK and ETHIOPIA: Successful Fistula Initiatives in Ethiopia

Kristelig Dagblad  reported October 17 that the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia has provided 32,000 free operations. UNFPA’s Saira Stewart was quoted on UNFPA’s fistula campaign:” In all countries we focus on three areas: prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, but prevention is the key”. Dr Peter Bech Larsen emphasised the link between poverty and fistula and said follow-up with access to family planning is essential. Read in Danish: Kristelig Dagblad

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: Remittances Urged to Be Applied toward Development

Inter Press Service reported October 25 on plans to encourage remittances be effectively used toward development. The idea is “to deepen public reflection and debate to optimize the impact of remittances on the development of the national economy,” says a document by the Asociación Tú, Mujer, or “You, Woman” Association, which is carrying out the Proyecto Remesas y Codesarrollo (Remittances and Co-development Project). Legislators, ministers, a UNFPA Representative and delegates of civil society groups met in a conference organized by the association. Read: Inter Press Service

GHANA: Miss Ghana to Continue Fistula Education Project

The Daily Guide reported October 23 that Ghana’s beauty queen, Frances Judith Takyi-Mensah launched a fistula education project. On October 11, she expressed the desire to continue the project after her reign as Miss Ghana ends. UNFPA Representative Makane Kane pledged his organization’s financial and technical support for Miss Ghana. He said UNFPA would continue to assist in the improvement of Ghana’s maternal health program and the status of people living with HIV/AIDS. Read: Daily Guide

GHANA: Men Encouraged to Take Interest in Reproductive Health

The Point reported October 19 that the Reproductive and Child Health Unit of the Department of State for Health and the Department of Social Welfare in partnership with UNFPA recently embarked on a 12-day nation-wide sensitization campaign to spur men’s interest in the reproductive health. Read: The Point

GUATEMALA: UNFPA Helps to Identify Four Major Obstacles to Safe Motherhood

Women’s Enews reported October 25 that UNFPA has worked with the Guatemalan Health Ministry to identify four major "demoras," or obstacles, that keep women separated from medical care, listed in the order in which they can present during labor. First, the woman and her caregivers don't always recognize that there's a problem in time to act. Second, once a problem is recognized, the woman often seeks the permission of her husband, mother-in-law or other family member to go to the doctor or hospital. If she doesn't get it, she doesn't go. Third—and widely agreed to be the most difficult to change—are the logistics of lining up proper transport. Small communities often only have one vehicle. The fourth demora is making sure that women receive proper attention once they reach the hospital. If a clinic does not deliver top-notch care, a woman's health may be endangered even if she makes it to the hospital. Read: Women’s Enews

GUATEMALA: Media Urged to Fight against Sex Selection

Cerigua reported October 15 that UNFPA Representative in Guatemala Nadine Gasman said that media and policymakers should promote a national discussion about the best way to describe and define pre-natal sex selection. Gasman took part in the meeting organized by the Presidential Women’s Commission in collaboration with UNFPA which has taken on the issue. Read: Cerigua

 GUATEMALA: Maternal Mortality in Latin America

CERIGUA reported on October 16 that the probability that a 15-year old female will die from a complication related to pregnancy and childbirth during her lifetime in Latin America is 1 in 290, according to UNFPA. Taking into account the country data, Guatemala was in second position, after Haiti, with a lifetime risk of 1 in 71. Read: Cerigua

HONDURAS: Latin American Women Become the Main Victims of HIV/AIDS

Globovisión reported October 26 that women have become the main victims of HIV/AIDS in Latin America according to a study presented during the third meeting of the Coalition of Latin American First Ladies and Women Leaders on Women and HIV/AIDS. The meeting took place in San Pedro Sula and was sponsored by UNFPA and by UNAIDS. La Prensa and Terra’s October 27 story quoted UNFPA Director of the Latin America and the Caribbean Division Marcela Suazo as saying the feminization of the HIV epidemic in the region finds its roots in the unequal power relations, discrimination and violence that women face. The role of alliances in combating this situation is fundamental. Read: Globovisión, Criterios, La Prensa, Terra, Cimacnoticias , Hondudiario, Tiempo, El Nuevo Diario

Reuters featured an October 27 interview with UNFPA Director of the Latin America and the Caribbean Division Marcela Suazo who said: “We tend to forget that in the real world, women face more risks related to HIV than men. For instance, marriage is believed to protect women from HIV. However, 80 per cent of women recently infected with HIV are monogamous, married or live with a long term partner.”

Terra and Ansa reported October 22 that 30,000 Hondurans have died of AIDS since the first victim of the pandemic was registered in 1985. UNFPA Regional HIV/AIDS expert, Cecilia Maurente, noted that three out of ten infected people are women. She added that a woman with AIDS is rejected by the society, and in this regards she called for stronger education and prevention campaigns. Read: Terra, Ansa

INDIA: Music Video to Benefit “Laadli”

Times of India reported October 27 that Suneeta Rao’s latest single, Sun Zara, is a music video benefiting “Laadli,” Population First’s girl child initiative. The song was recorded in association with UNFPA to address the issue of sex selection and to help stop the practice. The video will be officially launched at the Asia Pacific Conference on Sexual and Reproductive Health. Read: Times of India

INDIA: Conference on Poverty, Health and Development Planned

The Hindustan Times reported October 19 on the upcoming conference, “Poverty, Health and Development.” The conference is divided in five sub-themes: health, nutrition and environment; programs and policies of population and health; sexual health and HIV/AIDS, urbanization and migration; and poverty and development. Around 300 delegates and representatives of the UNAIDS, USAID, the WHO and UNFPA are expected to participate in the seminar.

INDIA: More Education on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Needed

The Press Trust of India reported October 15 that studies show that Indians – not just adolescents and the youth, but even men getting married – do not know enough about sex, thereby increasing the possibility of marital rape and other forms of sexual violence.

To highlight the issue at the October 29 conference, “New Frontiers in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights,” a satellite session on “More than Pleasure: New Issues in Affirming Sexuality in Asia” is scheduled for the 4th Asia Pacific Conference on Sexual and Reproductive Rights, organized by UNFPA in Hyderabad. The conference will deliberate sexual and reproductive rights, including sex education, declining sex ratio, physical and sexual violence, rapid fertility decline and demographic transition in the region. Read: Press Trust of India

KENYA: Urbanization Continues in Nairobi

Business Daily reported October 23 that Nairobi has been rated among the world's 25 fastest growing large cities, signaling that failure to plan may aggravate urban problems such as the rise of slums. London-based International Institute for Environment and Development indicates that the city's population has grown from 1.8 in 1999 to 3.5 million. The story cited UNFPA projections indicating that more than half of the world's population will live in urban areas by 2008. Read: Business Daily

LIBERIA: Government Asserts Commitment to Prevent Violence against Women

The Analyst reported October 16 that at the launch of the Lofa County Reproductive Health Survey, Vice President Joseph Boakai said the government is undeterred in its determination to punish would-be perpetrators of violence against women. Boakai said despite efforts being made by UNFPA and other NGOs in giving priority to post war reproductive health recovery, there are some in society who are becoming increasingly active in the areas of sexual abuse, exploitation of the youths and gender based violence. The story noted that UNFPA, the Liberian government, NGOs and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention carried out the reproductive health survey in Lofa between January and February this year. The survey focused on the current situation of women and their experiences during the last few years of war. Read: The Analyst

MEXICO: Roundtable Discussion on the Anniversary of UNFPA’s Activities

Antena Radio ran an October 23 interview with UNFPA Representative Arie Hoekman on UNFPA’s 35th anniversary in the country. Secretary-General of the National Population Council Elena Zúñiga also participated in the interview.

MEXICO: Lack of Doctors in Indigenous Communities Increases Maternal Deaths

La Jornada reported October 15 that indigenous women in Guatemala often have poor access to reproductive health services in many regions. The story noted that in some areas, pregnancy is considered a “disease.” >From 2000 to 2005, UNFPA’s activities help decrease the maternal mortality rate by 10 per cent. Read: La Jornada

MOLDOVA: UN Provides Pregnant Women and Young Mothers with Food Aid

SNG News reported October 22 that in 19 regions of Moldova, suffering from drought, UNFPA  will provide pregnant women and mothers with babies under six months with food provision in the amount of $70,000. The packages will include sunflower oil, sugar, rice, beans, flour and other most necessary items. More than 5,000 women will benefit from this humanitarian aid. Read: SNG

MOLDOVA: Country Celebrates 15th Anniversary of Entry in the U.N.

AIS reported October 18 that President Vladimir Voronin visited the United Nations House in Chisinau to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Moldova's entry into the United Nations. President Voronin expressed his appreciation for UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, UNHCR, UNAIDS, FAO, WHO, WB and IMF efforts in the country. Read: AIS

MONGOLIA: Americans for UNFPA Honors Dr. Dorj Munkhuu

Daily News reported October 26 that Dr. Dorj Munkhuu, head of the “Gal golomt” movement, received award from Americans for UNFPA for her over 30 years as a doctor and policymaker addressing women’s health issues. Four Americans from the media, financial and political sectors were also honored alongside women from Niger, Mongolia and Cambodia at the October 2 gala in New York City. The event was attended by U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Amhed Obaid. Americans for UNFPA was established in 1998, in the same year when UNFPA office was established in Ulaanbaatar. UNFPA has been working in Mongolia since 1972.

MOZAMBIQUE: UNFPA and Partners Fund HIV/AIDS Youth Program

SAPA reported October 23 that a national HIV/AIDS program aimed at youth in Mozambique recently received a boost of more than $30 million. David Simango, Minister of Youth and Sport, said the funds would be disbursed to the youth program Geracao BIZ from 2007 to 2009. Funding was a UNFPA contribution in partnership with Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Read: SAPA

NIGERIA: Post-Conflict Intervention Underway in Taraba State

This Day reported October 23 that urgent post-conflict intervention was needed in Taraba State to foster reconciliation and promote a sustainable peace after the 2001 outbreak of violence between the predominantly cattle-rearing Fulanis and the majority agrarian Mambilla. The story noted that a peace process, led by the joint UNHCH Nigeria, was agreed upon and signed by nine U.N. agencies – UNRC, UNHCR, UNIDO, FAO, WHO, UNAIDS, UNIFEM, ILO, UNFPA and UNODC. With a budget of over $1.7 million the aim was to prevent a recurrence of conflicts through reintegration and empowerment of 10,401 returnees to communities in Taraba State. The story noted that UNFPA assisted with sensitization of returnees and local communities for reconciliation and sustainable peace as well as reproductive health. Read: This Day

NIGERIA: Project Helps Convince Female Genital Mutilation Practitioners to Stop

This Day reported October 23 that Chief Aderibigbe, a traditional birth attendant who until recently carried out female genital mutilation in Osun State, is now helping to encourage others to abide by the recently passed law banning the traditional practice. This change in role is a result of a widespread, sensitization effort, involving UNFPA, the Nigerian Ministry of Health and several local NGOs. "UNFPA began its campaign in Osun State because it has the highest prevalence rate in all of the southwest – as high as 87%," said UNFPA Adviser in Osun State Stella Akinso. The story noted that UNFPA and its partners run similar projects in other parts of Nigeria. Read: This Day

NIGERIA: NISSMUN Criticized for “Corrupting” Youth

This Day ran an October 16 commentary by Sonnie Ekwowusi criticizing the upcoming 3rd Nigerian International Secondary Schools Model United Nations Conference (NISSMUN 2007) on culture and religion in reproductive health and rights. NISSMUN 2007 was described as “another well-orchestrated platform to corrupt the unwary and unsuspecting students and young people with permissive Western lifestyle of so-called ‘safe-sex,’ homosexuality, sterilization, breast enlargement, child pornography, eroticism, child contraceptives and the other nonsense.” The commentary added: “Sad to say, the United Nations, which was founded in 1945 essentially for the promotion of world peace and security, has been promoting many bad things in Africa. Apart from NISSMUN, notable United Nations agencies in Nigeria like WHO, UNIFEM, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNDP promote child abortion, child contraceptives, sterilization of women, "safe-sex" etc in Nigeria.” Read: This Day

NORTH KOREA: U.N. Coordinating Flood Relief Efforts

The Press Trust of India reported October 24 that U.N. agencies are providing food and emergency health kits to the nearly one million survivors of severe floods which struck North Korea in August and September, displacing almost 170,000. Funds from the U.N. Central Emergency Response Fund have enabled the WHO to provide emergency health kits, and UNFPA to provide reproductive health kits to 240 health clinics. The story noted that UNFPA is also working with the health ministry to develop a surveillance system for monitoring maternal deaths in clinics, with funding from Norway.

NORWAY: Medical Students Fundraise for Fistula

Nationen ran a letter to the editor on October 15 by Kristin Hetle, Chief of the Media Services Branch in UNFPA, commending the Association of Norwegian Medical Students for devoting their bi-annual fundraising campaign to the prevention and repair of fistula in DRC. "Fistula,  just as the women suffering from it, has been surrounded by silence. But, as your fundraising campaign shows, slowly but surely more attention is given to this birth injury and its root causes", she wrote. Read in Norwegian: Nationen

OMAN: Youth Participating in Preparatory Conference ahead of Youth Forum

Times of Oman reported October 21 that about 15 youth are participating in a six-day preparatory workshop, organized by UNFPA AGCC Area Office, for the forthcoming first AGCC Youth Forum. According to UNFPA Resident Representative Dr. Nora N. Al Nahedh, youth in the 15-29 age group are nearly a quarter or one third of the total population of the AGCC. Therefore increased youth participation is one of the cornerstones in the development. Read: Times of Oman, Khaleej Times

PAKISTAN: ISO Certification Sought for Family Welfare Centers

Business Recorder reported October 25 that the Standing Committee on Population Welfare ruled out the justification given by the Population Welfare Ministry that all the Family Welfare Centers are working in accordance with WHO standards. The committee observed that ISO-2000 certification is the only monitoring methodology to improve the substandard conditions of Family Welfare Centers. The committee directed the Population Welfare Ministry to accept UNFPA funds for ISO Certification.

PAKISTAN: One U.N. Initiative to Start in December

The Hindustan Times reported October 25 that the United Nations’ new One U.N. initiative will begin coordinating operations in Pakistan starting in December. "The aim of the One U.N. is to reduce expenditure, avoidance of duplication of activities and incorporation of the element of quality in operations," U.N. officials said. Presently agencies such as the WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, UNDP are carrying out activities from their own platforms, leading to duplicative efforts. Read: Hindustan Times

PAKISTAN: Government’s Maternal Health Priorities Questioned

The News ran an October 28 op ed by Fatima Bhutto who noted, “The National Program for Family Planning and Primary Health Care is prioritizing a new initiative. They are training, paying, and supervising Lady Health Workers (LHWs) from regional communities – who are not qualified physicians, only trained in first aid—to deal with local health issues and provide basic care.” Bhutto said, “The fact that the government pays the LHWs a salary of Rs. 2,600 a month, far less than they would have to pay government hospital staff, is also telling. The UNFPA wrote in a 2003 report that 'there is no evidence that the training programs in Pakistan have worked to reduce maternal mortality' further concluding that at most it had improved the performance of local midwives.” Read: The News

PAKISTAN: Workshop on HIV/AIDS Prevention to Be Held

Balochistan Times reported October 21 on a two-day workshop on HIV/AIDS prevention for women and girls scheduled for October 23-24. The workshop was held under the aegis of All Pakistan Women's Association, UNFPA and UNAIDS in collaboration with Sardar Bahadur Khan Women's University.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Couples Need to Be Educated on Family Planning

PNG Post-Courier reported October 16 that Gynecologist Dr. Mathias Sapuri said couples need to be better educated about the need to plan their families, including getting the men involved in discussions on family planning issues. The story noted that for the past 10 years, Dr. Sapuri has been running a non-scalpel vasectomy program, funded by UNFPA. Since the program began, the number of vasectomies have increased from 150 to 9,000 per year.

PARAGUAY: International Seminar on Land Management

Neike and PPN reported October 15 and La Nación reported October 17 that an international seminar was scheduled for October 16 and 17 titled, “Land Management and Regional Development: Experiences and Challenges.” UNFPA and the National University of Asunción organized the seminar, which analyzed the different experiences of land-management and development in Latin America. Read: Neike, PPN, La Nación, ABC

PARAGUAY: Improve Transportation in Order to Rebuild a City

ABC reported October 21 that at the seminar Regional Planning and Regional Development, organized by the National University and UNFPA, Francois Taulelle, an expert in European Union policies, said, “Improve transportation is essential in order to rebuild a city.” Read: ABC

PHILIPPINES: Family Planning Efforts Launched in Three Major Cities

The Manila Bulletin ran an October 25 column by Hern P. Zenarosa advocating for government support of family planning efforts to solve social and economic problems plaguing the country. Zenarosa noted that according to a report by Likhaan, an NGO advocating for reproductive health services for Filipinos, “Already, at least three major cities (Quezon City, Olongapo, and Manila) in the county are leading the way in response to the people's need for modern reproductive health services.” The report was presented during the recent Forum on Family Planning and Development held in Quezon City and sponsored by UNFPA – the organization originally started by Rafael M. Salas as Executive Director and concurrently Under-Secretary of the United Nations.

PHILIPPINES: Maternal Mortality as a “Litmus Test” of Any Health Program

The Philippine Daily Inquirer ran an October 23 column by Rina Jimenez-David who quoted UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid as saying maternal mortality is the “litmus test” of any health program. Jimenez-David concluded: “If the health systems of a country cannot save the lives of mothers and newborns, it’s doubtful whether they can save the lives of the rest of the population, too. But what can we say of a political system that not only ignores the health and safety of women, but actually puts them in greater danger? What can we say of a government that has made a policy of “imposing misery” on its women?” Read: Philippines Daily Inquirer

PHILIPPINES: Report Looks at the Impact of Remittances

The Manila Bulletin reported October 23 that the 4th State of the Philippine Population Report (SPPR4) citied a study by the Asian Development Bank saying that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) on the average, send home remittances amounting to $340 monthly. SPPR4, produced by POPCOM with assistance from UNFPA, looks into the benefits, costs, and population and development issues surrounding Filipinos' international labor migration. At the household level, remittances from abroad clearly resulted in financial and material gains for the migrants' families. At the national level, records of the Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas indicate that a total of $87.64 billion worth of remittances had been sent in by OFWs from 1995-2006.

PHILIPPINES: Catholic Church Supports “Billings Ovulation Method”

The Manila Times reported October 21 that the Catholic Church is not against family planning per se, according to the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). San Fernando Archbishop Paciano Aniceto, chairman of the CBCP's Episcopal Commission on Family and Life, said "contraceptive mentality" is not the way to promote authentic development for the country. The Church, Aniceto said, backs the propagation of the use of the "Billings Ovulation Method" for couples, instead of the hormonal and barrier contraceptives. The CBCP's support for the ovulation method stems from President Gloria Arroyo's speech delivered this year before the United Nations urging the use of UNFPA funding for reproductive health projects. Read: Manila Times

RUSSIA: HIV Prevention Campaign Among Sex Workers and Clients

Chelsi & Ural Press reported October 24 that a HIV prevention campaign will run among sex workers and their clients in Chelyabinsk City. The campaign is initiated by the United Nations Population Fund. Read: Chelsi

SOMALIA: U.N. Agencies Address Upsurge of Sexual Violence

UN News Centre reported October 26 that amid the chaos of fighting and displacement in Somalia, U.N. agencies are working to address the growing problem of sexual violence in the country, where an upsurge in violence has forced thousands to flee their homes. The story noted that to ensure survivors of sexual violence receive support, a network of U.N. agencies – including UNHCR, UNFPA and UNICEF – has launched a "sexual and gender-based violence prevention and response plan.” Read: UN News Centre, AHN

SOUTH ASIA: Regional Conference on Trafficking Held

The New Nation reported October 28 that while attending a South Asia regional conference in New Delhi, Indian Women and Child Development Minister Renuka Chowdhury said trafficking in human beings, especially women and children, is a heinous crime that violates all tenets of human rights and dignity. The three-day regional conference was organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in collaboration with the government of India, involving participants from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Sri Lanka and India. Officials from UNFPA, UNDP, UNIFEM, UNICEF, ILO and several law officials also participated in the conference. Read: The New Nation

SRI LANKA: Foreign Aid Has Yet to Be Spent

The Nation reported October 28 that due to administrative mismanagement, over Rs. 5 billion received as foreign aid has not been properly utilized by the Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry this year. The sum—Rs. 5,704,060,154—donated by organizations such as the WHO, UNFPA and UNICEF and several other countries, had been intended for health sector training, tsunami emergency recovery, and various other health sector and nutrition development projects. Read: The Nation

TURKMENISTAN: UNFPA Director Visits with Ministers

Turkmenistan.ru reported October 18 that UNFPA Director for Turkmenistan Haled Filbi visited Ashgabat. Filbi met the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Healthcare and Pharmaceutics to discuss issues of cooperation and implementation of a number of joint projects. Read: Turkmenistan.ru

UKRAINE: Ukraine Doctors ExchangeExperience with German Colleagues

Delo reported October 25 that in the framework of the joint project "Prevention of sexually transmitted HIV/AIDS infection among military personnel in Ukraine", a five day training was conducted targeting doctors from the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and their German counterparts. The project was organized jointly by UNDP and UNFPA and supported by EU. Read: Delo

UNITED KINGDOM: MP Supports Reducing Population Growth and Poverty

The Daily Telegraph ran an October 25 op ed by Henley MP Boris Johnson who wrote, “The primary challenge facing our species is the reproduction of our species itself.” He noted: “In recent years, the idea of global population control has been more or less stifled by a pincer movement from the Right and the Left. American Right-wingers disapprove of anything that sounds like birth control, and so George W. Bush withholds the tiny contribution America makes to the U.N. Fund for Population Activities, regardless of the impact on the health of women in developing countries.” Johnson concluded: “This is a straightforward question of population, and the eventual size of the human race. All the evidence shows that we can help reduce population growth, and world poverty, by promoting literacy and female emancipation and access to birth control. Isn't it time politicians stopped being so timid, and started talking about the real number one issue?” Read: The Daily Telegraph

UNITED KINGDOM: "Why Women Count" Film Series Launched

Zimbabwe Journalists reported October 22 on the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office hosted TVE’s UK launch of Why Women Count, the powerful new series from The Broadcasting for Change Network, in partnership with Human Rights Watch UK and Al Jazeera English. Purnima Mane, Deputy Executive Director UNFPA , delivered the keynote address for the evening, followed by a screening of eight of the “Why Women Count” films from Lebanon, Pakistan, Bolivia, Kosovo, Kenya, Nepal, Sierra Leone and Lithuania. Read: Zimbabwe Journalists, European Voice

UZBEKISTAN: U.N. Agencies Bring a Wealth of Resources

UzReport.com reported October 24 on the release of a publication entitled, "U.N. and Uzbekistan: partners in development," which provides a brief overview of support that the U.N. and its programs have been applying toward Uzbekistan's development since 1993. The publication revealed that UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, UNODC, UNESCO, WHO, and UNAIDS bring in not only a wealth of resources, but also a unique combination of experience and skills gained by the organization over the years of development work throughout the world.

VIETNAM: Sex Ratio Imbalanced

VietnamNet reported October 18 the latest report by UNFPA released on October 15 warns that Vietnam’s sex ratio at birth is becoming imbalanced. According to the report, “Population Growth in Vietnam, What the Data from 2006 Can Tell Us,” fertility continues to decline in Vietnam. The total fertility rate now stands at 2.09 children per woman, which is just below the level of replacement. UNFPA’s report found that the national sex ratio at birth as reported in the 2006 survey was 110 boys to every 100 girls, which slightly exceeds the expected ratio of 105-107 boys to every 100 girls.

Read: VietnamNet

The Herald ran an October 27 editorial on a conference on adolescent reproductive health. The editorial noted that while discussing reproductive health issues with friends on the sidelines of a population and development media network organized by the UNFPA in Gweru, some journalists inquired: "Should we start giving condoms to our youths in schools and colleges?" Read: The Herald

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