Latest news with #UNFPA
Scoop
a day ago
- Climate
- Scoop
Deadly Flooding In Nigeria Displaces Thousands
2 June 2025 Nigerian officials estimate that over 500 people are still missing and presumed dead, according to news reports. Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, a former Nigerian Government minister, said she was heartbroken at the extent of the loss and damage. 'My deepest condolences to all those affected – especially the families who have lost loved ones. My prayers are with you,' she said. UN relief operation United Nations agencies and partners are working alongside the Nigerian Government to provide essential humanitarian aid to individuals and households in Niger State who have been affected. Beginning 29 May, heavy rains in the Local Government Area of Mokwa – known as a trading hub – prompted flash flooding which flattened entire neighbourhoods. Hundreds were killed, thousands displaced and key roads and bridges were damaged, disrupting movement and economic activity. Nigeria's rainy season extends from April-October, making it particularly prone to flooding, which has become more severe in recent years. Climate change factor In 2024, a flood in September killed 230 people in Borno state in eastern Nigeria and displaced over 600,000 people. In 2022, severe flooding across the country impacted 34 out of the 36 states, killed hundreds and displaced more than 1.3 million. A recent report from the UN weather agency (WMO) said the worsening severity is related to climate change and increasing surface and water temperatures, all of which is taking a high toll throughout the African continent. Agencies on the ground According to UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric Nigerian authorities are leading recovery efforts and UN agencies and partners are providing supplementary assistance. The World Health Organization (WHO) is preparing to ship medicine and medical equipment to supplement and support existing primary care systems. For their part, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is providing materials for temporary shelter and other non-essential food items. The UN reproductive health agency (UNFPA) is working to establish temporary clinics and safe spaces for women and girls displaced by the flooding. In these spaces, women can access maternal and reproductive health services, dignity kits and psychosocial assistance. UNFPA is also working to deploy midwives and nurses. Mohammed M. Malik Fall, resident and humanitarian coordinator in Nigeria, commended Government efforts to respond to the humanitarian situation in Mokwa and said that the UN 'stands ready to support the response.'
Qatar Tribune
7 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Cabinet hails Amir's participation in GCC-ASEAN Summit
DOHA: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani has chaired the Cabinet's regular meeting at the Amiri Diwan. Following the meeting, Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs HE Ibrahim bin Ali Al Mohannadi stated the following: At the outset of the meeting, the Cabinet hailed the participation of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in the Second GCC-ASEAN Summit held on Tuesday, in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur. The Cabinet emphasized that HH the Amir's participation reflects the State of Qatar's commitment to strengthening partnerships and deepening the GCC-Asian cooperation across various fields, in a manner that serves the interests of people and supports joint efforts for development and peace. Afterward, the Cabinet considered the topics on its agenda. It approved a draft Cabinet decision to amend the structure of certain administrative units within the Ministry of Labour and define their jurisdictions. This draft decision, prepared by the Ministry of Labour, aims to update responsibilities related to the formulation and development of nationalization policies, which are considered one of the main pillars for achieving workforce-related development goals. The Cabinet also approved a draft basic contribution agreement between Qatar Fund for Development and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to support the regular resources of UNFPA. Additionally, it approved a draft agreement between the State of Qatar and the United Nations regarding arrangements for the 11th session of the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption. A draft memorandum of understanding for political consultations on issues of mutual interest between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia was also approved. The Cabinet was also briefed on the audited financial statements of the Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority for the fiscal year ending Dec31, 2024, as well as the Authority's annual report for 2024. The Cabinet's meeting concluded with a review of the 15th annual report on the activities and outcomes of the Qatar Committee for the Alliance of Civilizations for the year 2024, before the appropriate decision regarding the report was taken.
The Star
27-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
China, UNFPA conclude health assistance program for Zimbabwean women, girls affected by Cyclone Idai
HARARE, May 27 (Xinhua) -- China and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on Tuesday signed the certificate of completion for a China-aided health assistance program for women and girls affected by Tropical Cyclone Idai, which hit the eastern parts of Zimbabwe in 2019. The concluded project, which ran from 2020 to 2024, was funded by China through the South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund and implemented by UNFPA in partnership with Zimbabwe's Ministry of Health and Child Care to address the reproductive health needs of women in the most affected areas. Tropical Cyclone Idai damaged healthcare infrastructure and limited access to essential services, leaving Zimbabwe facing a maternal health crisis, which was further worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to the crisis, the project was implemented to strengthen emergency obstetric and neonatal care in the cyclone-affected districts of Chipinge and Chimanimani. According to UNFPA, the project contributed to 63,327 deliveries, including 8,567 cesarean sections. A total of 10,862 pregnant women benefited from refurbished maternity waiting homes, while 94,643 women accessed modern family planning methods. The project also contributed to the reduction in maternal mortality from 462 to 363 deaths per 100,000 live births. In addition, a total of 296 healthcare workers were trained in emergency obstetric and neonatal care. Speaking at the signing ceremony held in the national capital of Harare, Zimbabwean Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Sleiman Kwidini expressed gratitude to China for the assistance. "Most of the people affected were pregnant mothers who needed assistance at that time. Because of the disaster, however, there was nowhere for them to go. With UNFPA, China has provided assistance by doing all those good works that have reduced maternal mortality," Kwidini said. He also said the program aligns with the government's aim of ending neonatal mortality, adding that without a healthy nation, Zimbabwe can not attain its developmental goals. On his part, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding said the program stands as a shining example of successful tripartite cooperation among China, UN agencies, and Zimbabwe. "It has proved that collective action and solidarity are the most powerful tools in overcoming challenges. Within the frameworks of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, South-South cooperation, and other initiatives, China is ready to engage in tripartite and multipartite cooperation with more international partners to jointly propel Zimbabwe's economic and social development and revitalization, and help realize the country's Vision 2030," said Zhou.
Scoop
24-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
‘A Silent Crisis': Obstetric Fistula Affects 500,000 Women, Yet It's Fully Treatable
Five days that is how long it took Dah, a 14-year-old prospective mother from Cte dIvoire, to give birth. The child was stillborn and she developed obstetric fistula. 16 years – that is how long Dah had to live with the agonising condition, undergoing eight different surgical procedures before finally getting the fistula repaired. In recognition of the over 500,000 women like Dah who are forced to endure what is a highly treatable condition, the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula is being marked on Friday. Obstetric fistula is a medical condition which refers to the development of a small hole between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum, leading to leaking urine or faeces. This year's theme, 'Her Health, Her Right: Shaping a Future without Fistula' will seek to make progress towards the goal of eliminating fistula by 2030. Women's bodies become battlegrounds — not only through sexual violence but through deliberate denial of reproductive rights and health – Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women 'Women's bodies become battlegrounds — not only through sexual violence but through the deliberate denial of reproductive rights and health services' said Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women. 'A silent crisis' It is often brought on by prolonged or difficult childbirth. Most of the half million women suffering the condition live in the Global South. Many women who have a fistula experience social isolation and exclusion brought on by leaking urine or faeces. This, in turn, can lead to depression and exacerbated poverty. Kambiré, a small business owner who lives in Bouna, lived with obstetric fistula for 23 years. She even had another child before getting medical assistance. 'I preferred to isolate myself because of the fistula,' she said. 'I couldn't sit for long for fear of getting wet.' She only learned that it was treatable when listening to a radio show, inspiring her to go to a UN sexual and reproductive health agency (UNFPA)-supported hospital for treatment. Now, she owns a small pot-making business. Entirely preventable and treatable UNFPA set the goal of elimination by 2030 – which seems doable given that, as a medical condition, it is both completely preventable and fully treatable. Between 2003 and 2024, UNFPA supported nearly 150,000 surgical fistula repairs, 4,400 of which alone happened in Côte d'Ivoire for women like Dah and Kambiré. Catherine, a mother of two in Bouna, also received medical assistance from a UNFPA-supported hospital. 'Now that I'm healthy, I'm happy. I can run my business and spend time with my friends,' she said. Nevertheless, obstetric fistula has remained stubbornly persistent throughout the world due to disparities in global health systems. UNFPA says that midwives are key to preventing fistula, and other childbirth injuries. However, there is a global shortage of over 900,000 midwives, 500,000 of which are in Sub-Saharan Africa. Reproductive health education and empowerment are similarly essential to addressing and preventing obstetric fistula. 'The most effective shield we can offer women and girls is their own power, voice and leadership,' Ms. Bahous said. Networks of solidarity After Dah received successful treatment for her obstetric fistula, she, like Kambiré, began a seasonal food business through which she prepares and sells produce. She has also banded together with other fistula survivors from Bouna to enhance community awareness and reduce stigma. 'When women lead, they protect not only themselves but their families and communities … The impact is transformative,' Ms. Bahous said.
Scoop
24-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
‘A Silent Crisis': Obstetric Fistula Affects 500,000 Women, Yet It's Fully Treatable
16 years – that is how long Dah had to live with the agonising condition, undergoing eight different surgical procedures before finally getting the fistula repaired. In recognition of the over 500,000 women like Dah who are forced to endure what is a highly treatable condition, the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula is being marked on Friday. Obstetric fistula is a medical condition which refers to the development of a small hole between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum, leading to leaking urine or faeces. This year's theme, 'Her Health, Her Right: Shaping a Future without Fistula' will seek to make progress towards the goal of eliminating fistula by 2030. Women's bodies become battlegrounds — not only through sexual violence but through deliberate denial of reproductive rights and health – Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women 'Women's bodies become battlegrounds — not only through sexual violence but through the deliberate denial of reproductive rights and health services' said Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women. 'A silent crisis' It is often brought on by prolonged or difficult childbirth. Most of the half million women suffering the condition live in the Global South. Many women who have a fistula experience social isolation and exclusion brought on by leaking urine or faeces. This, in turn, can lead to depression and exacerbated poverty. Kambiré, a small business owner who lives in Bouna, lived with obstetric fistula for 23 years. She even had another child before getting medical assistance. 'I preferred to isolate myself because of the fistula,' she said. 'I couldn't sit for long for fear of getting wet.' She only learned that it was treatable when listening to a radio show, inspiring her to go to a UN sexual and reproductive health agency (UNFPA)-supported hospital for treatment. Now, she owns a small pot-making business. Entirely preventable and treatable UNFPA set the goal of elimination by 2030 - which seems doable given that, as a medical condition, it is both completely preventable and fully treatable. Between 2003 and 2024, UNFPA supported nearly 150,000 surgical fistula repairs, 4,400 of which alone happened in Côte d'Ivoire for women like Dah and Kambiré. Catherine, a mother of two in Bouna, also received medical assistance from a UNFPA-supported hospital. 'Now that I'm healthy, I'm happy. I can run my business and spend time with my friends,' she said. Nevertheless, obstetric fistula has remained stubbornly persistent throughout the world due to disparities in global health systems. UNFPA says that midwives are key to preventing fistula, and other childbirth injuries. However, there is a global shortage of over 900,000 midwives, 500,000 of which are in Sub-Saharan Africa. Reproductive health education and empowerment are similarly essential to addressing and preventing obstetric fistula. 'The most effective shield we can offer women and girls is their own power, voice and leadership,' Ms. Bahous said. Networks of solidarity After Dah received successful treatment for her obstetric fistula, she, like Kambiré, began a seasonal food business through which she prepares and sells produce. She has also banded together with other fistula survivors from Bouna to enhance community awareness and reduce stigma. 'When women lead, they protect not only themselves but their families and communities … The impact is transformative,' Ms. Bahous said.
