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UNFPA News

06 February 2010 - Statement

International Day Against Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting

Progress has been made in recent years in reducing the incidence of female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C), largely because communities and families are taking action and calling for change. more

04 February 2010 - Feature Story

Rapid Assessment Provides New Information on Relief and Recovery Needs in Haiti

PORT-AU-PRINCE—Older people and female heads of household are the two most vulnerable groups affected by the 12 January earthquake in Haiti. That finding was among the preliminary results of a rapid needs assessment carried out by the IASC (inter-agency steering committee member organizations), coordinated by OCHA (the Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) together with the Haitian government. more
04 February 2010 - From other sources

Assisting Pregnant Women in Haiti as Risk to Babies Rises

UNFPA is providing medical kits to thousands of expectant mothers in Haiti in case they cannot get medical attention in time and give birth at home or on the streets where they are living after last month’s earthquake. UNFPA estimates that 15 per cent of the 63,000 pregnant women in the earthquake-affected areas are likely to have potentially life-threatening complications. The estimated 7,000 who will give birth this month are at an even greater risk, with at least 1,000 predicted miscarriages. more
03 February 2010 - Dispatch

Report Documents Challenges to Maternal Health in Haiti Even Before the Earthquake

NEW YORK — Even before the catastrophic earthquake, pregnancy in Haiti was perilous. With 1 in 44 women dying in pregnancy or childbirth, it is the most dangerous place to give birth in the Western Hemisphere. In the aftermath of the earthquake, UNFPA is prioritizing providing maternal health services for the approximately 63,000 pregnant women in the affected area , 7,000 of who will give birth in the next month. more
27 January 2010 - From other sources

Pregnant and Vulnerable: Meeting the Needs of Women in Haiti

When crisis strikes, women continue to get pregnant and give birth, and they may face rising violence. Humanitarian aid to protect their sexual and reproductive health is urgently needed. Even before the earthquake, Haiti had the highest maternal mortality rate in the Western hemisphere. Now with the shattered healthcare system, the risks are even higher. Women are giving birth in the streets unattended and even those who make it to maternity wards, some of which are open-air, face a shortage of doctors, nurses and medical supplies. One of UNFPA's top priorities is saving the lives of women and newborns. more
26 January 2010 - From other sources

Meeting the Demand for Results and Accountability: A Call for Action on Health Data from Eight Global Health Agencies

Recent substantial increases in international attention to health have been accompanied by demands for statistics that accurately track health progress and performance, evaluate the impact of health programs and policies, and increase accountability at country and global levels. In spite of recognized efforts by programs and countries, the ability to respond to this demand is constrained by limited data availability, quality, and use. New ways of working and a more systematic approach by all partners are needed to better monitor and evaluate progress and performance. more
25 January 2010 - Dispatch

Delivering into Chaos: UNFPA Rushes Reproductive Health Supplies to Haiti

PORT-AU-PRINCE — Women continue to give birth amid the chaos and devastation left by the massive earthquake that hit Haiti on 12 January. Hungry and homeless, traumatized by the scale of death around them, they writhe in labour on the streets surrounded by friends and relatives singing prayers of hope. They give birth in cars and tents, on park benches and bare ground, under blazing sun with little water, much less anything to ease the pain of the labour, and, often, crushed limbs. more
24 January 2010 - Feature Story

Two African Beauty Queens on a Mission to End Obstetric Fistula

Obstetric fistula, associated with incontinence and social isolation, is hardly glamorous. But two African beauty queens – Miss Ghana@50 and Miss Liberia 2009 – are using their glamour and recognition to raise awareness about this issue that affects some of the most marginalized women in their countries. Miss Frances Tekyi Mensah began talking about obstetric fistula throughout 2007, the 50th anniversary of her country’s independence, and the year she reigned as Miss Ghana@50. And she hasn’t stopped talking about it since. In view of the commitment she demonstrated, the Ghana Government nominated her as the Ambassador for Obstetric Fistula. She took on the mission with a strong drive to make a difference across the country. more
22 January 2010 - Feature Story

Midwifery and Nursing Schools Destroyed by Haiti Earthquake

PORT-AU-PRINCE — The January 12 earthquake in Haiti didn’t stop at taking lives and crippling people. It also wreaked havoc on the very foundations of the country’s institutions, such as government ministries, hospitals and schools.  It has halted, for the time being, the training of much-needed midwives. more

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Latest publications

  • A Guide to Tools for Assessments in Sexual and Reproductive Health
    This guide provides clear and concise information on the strengths and limitations of some of the most commonly used methodologies for making assessments in sexual and reproductive health.

  • Reducing Inequities
    This brochure reflects a consensus of 40 international experts who convened in New York on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development to develop recommendations on how to reduce inequities in access to family planning and other sexual and reproductive health services.

  • Programming to Address Violence Against Women
    Eight case studies on initiatives from Algeria, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe about best practices to reduce violence against women.