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Huge potential for economic growth requires fulfilling the promise of youth, flagship report says
UNITED NATIONS, New York – “Never before have there been so many young people – never again is there likely to be such potential for economic and social progress,” Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, UNFPA’s Executive Director,…
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In Liberia, contact tracing key to curtailing Ebola’s spread
Liberia
MONROVIA, Liberia – Although there are signs the Ebola outbreak in Liberia is slowing, the fight against the disease remains an uphill battle. Underlying problems with the health system continue to impede public health…
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Bringing men into the equation: Men work to end violence against women
Zimbabwe
This week, UNFPA joins partners and advocates at the second international MenEngage Global Symposium, in New Delhi, India. The event brings together policy experts, researchers and activists to share new findings and…
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Media to play key role in eliminating FGM in Kenya
Kenya
A new campaign highlighting the critical role of media in helping to end female genital mutilation (FGM) was launched in Kenya, Nairobi, last week. The campaign will engage global media outlets, particularly in Africa,…
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West Darfur woman defies opposition to antenatal care, safely delivers triplets
Sudan
MORNEI, Sudan – Raising awareness of the importance of maternal health care is the first step toward improving maternal survival. This is what 26-year-old Khadija Abdulla did when she safely gave birth to triplets in…
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Estimated 75,000 pregnant women affected by floods in Pakistan
Pakistan
PUNJAB PROVINCE, Pakistan – When torrential rains flooded Asma Bibi’s village last month, the pregnant 18 year old was able to reach a rural health centre in the neighbouring Jhang District, where she received basic…
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Fistula campaign in South Sudan seeks lasting solutions
South Sudan
WAU, South Sudan – It seemed like the cards were stacked against Regina Awol Deng. She was forced to leave school when she was 7 years old, and to marry when she was a just teenager. She found herself pregnant at 17.…
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When the fear follows: Women's centres help Syrian refugees cope
Jordan, Syrian Arab Republic
DEIR ALLA, Jordan – “All I know is that I needed help badly,” said Reem,* a 22-year-old mother of three, at a women’s centre in Deir Alla, Jordan, supported by UNFPA and the Institute for Family Health (IFH).
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Dignity kits meet hygiene needs of displaced women and girls in Iraq
Iraq
DUHOK, Iraq – In crisis situations, the needs for shelter, food and security are rightly given urgent attention. Yet the specific needs of women and girls are too often overlooked. Some 1.8 million people are internally…
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New birthing facility provides culturally sensitive maternal care for indigenous women in the Philippines
Philippines
SITIO GAWASAN, Philippines – The road from Sitio Gawasan, on the Philippines island of Mindanao, to the nearest district health centre is a long one. Accessible only by foot or via bumpy motorcycle ride, the journey…
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The women of Amak: Justice for rural survivors of gender-based violence
Nicaragua
BOSAWAS, Nicaragua – “He used to beat me every time he came home drunk,” said Elena Talavera, describing her husband, in the remote indigenous community of Amak, in Nicaragua. Amak is nestled in the heart of Alto…
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Pregnant in the shadow of Ebola: Deteriorating health systems endanger women
Liberia
MONROVIA, Liberia – Thirty-six year old Comfort Fayiah, in Monrovia, Liberia, never imagined her pregnancy would end the way it did – with her giving birth on the side of the road, in a heavy downpour, to twins.
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