UNFPA IN THE NEWS — OCTOBER 20-26 , 2008
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[Excerpts are from media stories. IERD cannot vouch for the accuracy of the media reports.]
RELIGIOUS LEADERS CREATE NETWORK TO FIGHT MATERNAL DEATH, AIDS AND POVERTY
Multiple media outlets reported on 20, 21 and 22 October that religious leaders and representatives of Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Jewish, Christian and Muslim faith-based organizations have formed a Global Interfaith Network to strengthen cooperation against the global urgencies of maternal death, AIDS and poverty. The Interfaith Network was formed in Istanbul at the conclusion of two-day Global Forum of Faith-based Organizations, convened by UNFPA, which has partnerships with over 400 different faith-based organizations in more than 100 countries. Read: IPS, PR Newswire, Hurriyet, Todayszaman, PNN, Marketwatch, Turkishpress and Turkishdailynews
II IBERO-AMERICAN MEETING OF YOUNG LEADERS
Soitu, Agencia EFE and Unión Radio on 23 October and La Prensa Gráfica on 24 October reported that more than 500 young people from 22 Ibero-American countries participated in the II Ibero-American Meeting of Young Leaders held in San Salvador on 23 October. The article featured Rayvelis Roa, a Dominican representative, stating that Ibero-American countries have not included young people in consultative processes or in decision-making. Read: Soitu, EFE and Unión Radio
Multiple media outlets published an interview on 22 and 23 October with Marcela Suazo, UNFPA Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. Ms. Suazo stated that countries in the Ibero-American region must invest now in young people to take advantage of the demographic dividend. “The challenge is to invest in youth and to develop public programmes and policies that allow young people to join the labor force and participate in decision making,” said Ms. Suazo. Read: EFE, Notimex, France Presse, Soitu, Univisión, Sendero del Peje and La Prensa Gráfica
UNFPA PROMOTES CAMPAIGN TO ERADICATE OBSTETRIC FISTULA
CIMAC (Mexico) reported on 20 October that the campaign to eradicate obstetric fistula has quadrupled its reach in five years, according to Ban Ki Moon, UN Secretary-General. The initiative, promoted by UNFPA, has obtained good results in several developing countries. Read: CIMAC
AZERBAIJAN: Reproductive Health Law Should Be Adopted To Protect Nation’s Health
Trend News reported on 25 October that the Azerbaijan vice-president wants the reproductive health law to be adopted to protect the nation’s health. By the initiative of the Permanent Parliamentary Commission for Sociopolitical Problems and with the support of UNFPA, the European Council and the European Parliamentary Forum are conducting public discussion on “reproductive health in the national legislation.” Read in Russian: News Trend AZ
BANGLADESH: 1,207 Found HIV Positive
The Daily Star reported on 20 October that a total of 1,207 people have been found HIV positive across the country while 12,000 are believed to be carrying the virus according to a surveillance study report. Read: The Daily Star
BELARUS: More Then 20 U.N. Projects Are Underway In Belarus
Belta News reported on 24 October that since 1992, 20 different UN agencies operate in the Republic of Belarus. UNFPA coordinates theme work on issues of gender equality and is organizing the information campaigns conducted in November and December 2008. The campaigns are directed to prevention of domestic violence and increasing information to Belarus citizens. UNFPA acts as co-executor of a number of events of the national program of demographic safety in Belarus. Read in Russian: Belta
BOLIVIA: Preventing HIV Among Youth
El Deber reported on 25 October that more than 300 adolescents and young people participated in the awareness day about HIV/AIDS organized by the Inter-institutional Table on HIV Prevention in cooperation with UNFPA. Young people of several NGO’s arranged different activities to raise awareness about the importance of prevention. Read: El Deber
BRAZIL: New Forms Of Masculinity
Correio Braziliense published an interview on 25 October with Elizeu Chaves, UNFPA assistant representative to Brazil, about new forms of masculinity. Mentioning UNFPA’s agenda to promote human development, the interview discussed how gender stereotypes can lead to violence and human rights violations. Read: Correio Braziliense
CHINA: “Ignorance Runs Deep”
Chinadaily.com.cn reported on 23 October that UNFPA recently conducted a survey of 2,000 migrant youth ranging in age from 14 to 25 in five Chinese cities, including Shanghai, Xiamen and Yancheng. Only 12 percent were knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS; 72 percent had had unprotected sex in their first sexual encounter; and more than 40 percent did not want to share a telephone with an HIV-infected person. Read: China Daily
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: Natural Disasters Linked To Violence
EFE, El Universal and El Nacional reported on 25 October that according to a study carried out in the Dominican Republic by INSTRAW and UNFPA, women affected by natural disasters are more likely to suffer violence due to stress caused by the disasters. Read: El Universal, El Nacional and EFE
EL SALVADOR: UNFPA And SICA Sign Cooperation Agreement
Agencia EFE, Soitu, Noticias 2001 and El Salvador.com reported on 23 October that the Secretary-General of the Central American Integration System (SICA) and UNFPA signed a cooperation agreement focusing on migration. Marcela Suazo, UNFPA Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, signed the agreement. Read: Noticias 2001, EFE, Soitu and El Salvador.com
FIJI: United Nations Is 64 Years Old
Fiji Daily Post reported on 24 October that the United Nations celebrated its 63rd anniversary. UNFPA is one of 14 UN agencies based in the Pacific. Read: The Fiji Daily Post
HONDURAS: Flooding In Honduras
Proceso, Unión Radio and La Opinión de Tenerife reported on 23 October that flooding caused by intense rain caused 25 deaths in Honduras. The UN is mobilizing resources for those affected by the flooding. UNFPA has requested funds to provide health care for the affected population. Read: Proceso, La Opinión de Tenerife and Unión Radio
IRAN: UN Lauds Iran’s Progress To Meet Millennium Development Goals
FARS News Agency reported on 23 October that the Islamic Republic of Iran has made excellent progress and is well placed to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s) according to the United Nations Resident Coordinator. Currently, there are 17 UN organizations active in Iran, including UNFPA. Read: FARS News Agency
KENYA: Leaders Urged To Act On Infant Mortality Rate
The Daily Nation reported on 26 October that at least 473 children under five years of age die in Kenya every day due to preventable causes, according to a recent report. The report entitled “Countdown to 2015: The role of Parliamentarians in accelerating the attainment of MDG’s 4 and 5 in Kenya,” was compiled by UNICEF, the WHO, UNFPA, the Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation and Medical Services. Read: The Daily Nation
LEBANON: Marie-Claude Feghali And Houwaida Abou Heif Named UNFPA Y-PEER Media Ambassadors
An-Nahar and Elaph reported on 23 and 24 October that Marie-Claire Feghali, a journalist from the Nahar Al-Shabab newspaper supplement, and Houwaida Abou Heif, a broadcaster from MBC 1, were appointed UNFPA Y-PEER Media Ambassadors for Lebanon for 2009 during a ceremony that took place in Cairo. Feghali wrote a series of articles on abortion, STI’s, sex education in schools and Y-PEER. Abou Heif hosted several HIV/AIDS infected people and contributed to spreading awareness in the Arab world. Read in Arabic: An-Nahar and Elaph
MALAWI: Help For Women With Obstetric Fistula
Daily News and IPS reported on 21 October that UNFPA and Malawi’s Ministry of Health have jointly organized a “Fistula Week” where woman with the condition will undergo operations and receive free medical services to reverse the condition during the country’s Fistula Week. Read: IPS
MADAGASCAR: 6 Women Receive Fistula Operations
L'Express de Madagascar reported 24 October that 6 young women received operations to correct fistula in Manambaro, Tolagnaro. UNFPA was in charge of their cases. Read: L’Express de Madagascar
MEXICO: UNFPA Signs Agreement With Durango Government
El Sol de Durango reported on 25 October that UNFPA and the Government of Durango signed a cooperation agreement. Alfonso Sandoval, UNFPA assistant representative, stated that one of the most important challenges in the state is the reproductive health of indigenous people. 91.2 percent live in marginalized communities with very high levels of fertility and child mortality. The cooperation agreement focuses on maternal health and related health issues. Read: El Sol de Durango
MEXICO: Defending Migrants’ Human Rights
El Financiero reported on 25 October that according to UNFPA, every government has to guarantee migrants’ human rights. In the preview of the report on International Migration that will be presented in the Philippines, UNFPA stated that governments also have the right to decide who enters the country and who remains within its territory. The report urges governments to pay special attention to migrants, especially high-risk groups like children, women, refugees and asylum seekers, among others. Read: El Financiero
MEXICO: Unsafe Abortions Cause Maternal Death
CIMAC reported on 20 October that Veracruz ranks fifth in unsafe abortions. One in ten women in Veracruz die due to unsafe abortions, according to INEGI, the National Institute for Statistics, Geography and Computer Science. According to UNFPA, unsafe abortions in Mexico are one of the main causes of maternal mortality. Read: CIMAC.
NICARAGUA: Agreement To Promote The Development Of Young People
La Prensa reported on 25 October that representatives from 35 municipalities and UNFPA signed an agreement to promote adolescent and youth development. Thanks to this agreement, the “Young Voice Programme” will be implemented aimed at increasing young people’s participation. Read: La Prensa
NEPAL: Ministry Provides Free Surgery To 12,000 Women
The Kathmandu Post reported on 23 October that the ministry has sanctioned Rs. 180 million to provide free surgical treatment to 12,000 women living with the problem of fallen womb. "We will provide the service through large hospitals and medical colleges," said Dr. Babu Ram Marasini, deputy health administrator at the ministry. Read: The Kathmandu Post
OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY: UNFPA Funds RH, Child Marriage And Other Projects
PNN reported on 22 October that there is no fear around the continuity of the Bourj Laqlouq projects due to the international economical crisis. Imad Al-Jaouni said she is not scared of not providing funds for the projects initiated by the association as their funding is short term (1 to 2 years), the fear lies in funding for the association itself as its action plan is long term. Bourj Laqlouq Association is funded and supported by the EU and the Cooperative. The featured projects are concerned with reproductive health, early marriage and school drop out. All are funded by UNFPA. Read in Arabic: PNN
PARAGUAY: UNFPA Committed To Health Care
ABC, Jakueke and Radio Viva on 22 October and Neike on23 Octoberreported that Alanna Armitage, UNFPA Country Director, met Esperanza Martínez, from the Ministry of Health. During the meeting, Ms. Martinez reiterated the organization’s commitment to health. Both parts talked about the future cooperation in areas like maternal health, family planning, HIV prevention, gender-based violence and reproductive health commodity securities. Read: ABC, Neike, Jakueke and Radio Viva
PERU: Plan To Promote Gender Equity
Andina reported on 24 October that the Regional Council of Lambayeque approved a Regional Plan for Equal Opportunities. UNFPA funded the plan which aims to reduce inequities in economic, social and politic issues. Read: Andina
SIERRA LEONE: MATCOPS Promote Condom Use In Kabala
All Africa reported on 23 October that residents of Kabala have received training from the Matei multi-purpose cooperative society on the use of both male and female condoms in an effort to help reduce transmission of HIV/AIDS in the region. MATCOPS, in collaboration with Voice of Women, held a one-day informational session on HIV/AIDS prevention, including how to use condoms to save lives, with funds provided by UNFPA and the Ministry of Health. Read: All Africa
ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES: Health Official Warns Against Religious Culture
Searchlight reported on 24 October that a U.N. health official has warned against the Caribbean’s religious culture being allowed to hinder the flow of various reproductive health commodities and services. Harold Robinson, Director of UNFPA in the Caribbean, said that the people’s spiritual lives and conviction cannot be taken for granted.
SYRIA: UNFPA And Ministry Of Health Collaborate To Help Reduce Maternal Death
Al-Thawra reported on 23 October that a training course was held by the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with UNFPA, on emergency obstetric care for obstetricians and gynecologists from government hospitals. Read in Arabic: Al-Thawra
SYRIA: UNFPA Supports A Workshop For Syrian Youth
Al-Azmina reported on 26 October that a workshop for the UN agency heads was conducted about the results of the National Youth Research report in collaboration with UNFPA. The follow-up report includes interviews with Lena Mousa, UNFPA representative to Syria, and Dr. Ameera Ahmed, UNFPA’s Project director at the SCFA.
SYRIA: UNFPA Supports Workshop That Engages Faith-Based Organizations In HIV Prevention
Al-Baath reported on 26 October that the Ministry of Health, in cooperation with UNFPA, has conducted a two-day workshop in Tartous titled, “Engaging Faith Based Organizations in HIV prevention: A Training Manual for Program Managers.” The workshop encouraged policy makers, programmers in the field, and development practitioners to recognize the complex social, cultural and economic factors at play in HIV prevention and to partner with faith-based organizations to address them. Read in Arabic: Al-Baath
SYRIA: UNFPA’s Work In Syria Praised
Al-Baath reported on 26 October about work done by UNFPA in Syria, and its partnership with the government, based on a visit to the UNFPA office. Read in Arabic: Al-Baath
UNITED STATES: Women’s Health Still A World Issue
Kansas State Collegian reported on 20 October that women lose their lives in childbirth in countries across the world. According to UNFPA, each of the deaths represents an additional 20 women who experience serious complications. Read: Kansas State Collegian
UGANDA: Expectant Women Dying As Drug Expires In Stores
All Africa reported on 24 October that a life-saving drug is rotting in the national medical stores and district stores as clinics in charge fail to collect them. Magnesium sulfate, a drug that is meant to be free for pregnant women, is expiring in the government stores according to Dr. Anthony Mbonye, the Assistant Commissioner for Reproductive Health Division. Read: All Africa
YEMEN: Gender And Human Rights Curriculum Workshop Held In Sana’a
Al-Thawra Newspaper, Yemen Times, SabaEn and SabaAr reported on 18 and 21 October that the training course on implementation of gender dimensions and human rights in programming concluded its work in Sana’a. The workshop was organized by the National Commission for Women in collaboration with UNFPA and with the participation of 30 people from Sana’a and a number of governorates. Read: Al-Thawra, Yemen Times, SabaEn and SabaAr
YEMEN: Thoraya Obaid Praises Efforts To Raise Awareness On RH Issues
Saba News reported on 22 October that Thoraya Obaid, executive director of UNFPA, delivered a speech at the 7th International Dialogue Conference on population and permanent development held in Berlin, Germany. Ms. Obaid praised efforts achieved by Yemen for raising awareness of reproductive health. Ms. Obaid said, “I appreciate the mutual cooperation between Religious Endowment and Islamic Affairs Ministry and religious leaders in raising awareness for people regarding the importance of reproductive health and family planning.” Read: Sabanews
YEMEN: UNFPA Funds A Workshop On Strategic Population Planning
Saba News reported on 22 October that the population commission in Hadramout province concluded a workshop on the strategic population planning issues and its integration with the development process in coordination with the National Council for Population, funded by UNFPA. Read: Sabanews
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