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5 reasons why menstruation support is critical in a humanitarian crisis
UNITED NATIONS, New York – Every month, nearly 2 billion people menstruate, but gender inequality, poverty and other forms of marginalization mean the world has still not adapted to become period-friendly. In a…
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“I suffered a lot”: How UNFPA helps women in Guinea heal from obstetric fistula
CONAKRY, Guinea – “It happened at the hospital. I realized I was leaking urine,” fistula survivor Kadiatou Bah told UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency.
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For the community, by the community: Transgender advocates for sexual and reproductive health and rights
MONGARTK, Bhutan/GAIBANDHA, Bangladesh – Around the world, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) people are increasingly being accepted by their communities and countries.
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“It brings me hope”: The impact of universal health coverage for Afghan refugees in Iran
MASHHAD, The Islamic Republic of Iran – ”My mother is in dire need of eye surgery, but the cost of treatment is beyond our means,” said Zahra*, a refugee from Afghanistan. “Both my sister and I work hard to support our…
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This Mother’s Day, here are 5 reasons to celebrate motherhood – by choice
New York
UNITED NATIONS, New York – Every woman has the right to choose whether or not to become a mother. But in reality, millions of women and girls face high rates of sexual violence, a lack of access to contraceptives and…
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Between conflict and climate crises, midwives deliver hope for mothers and newborns in Yemen
Yemen
HADRAMOUT, Yemen – When Mona began working as a midwife in her local health centre 30 years ago, she was the first in Yemen’s Hadramout Governorate.
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On the front lines of climate-driven crisis: UNFPA-supported midwives prevent maternal deaths among Cameroonian refugees in Chad
N'DJAMENA, Chad – “At the start of the crisis, the work was very complex. People came with fear and trauma,” midwife Neïma Patricia told UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency.
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Women leaders in Djibouti speak out against gender-based violence and harmful practices
Djibouti
DJIBOUTI CITY, Djibouti – “There are so many young girls who get pregnant and have hidden, illegal abortions. Young girls are forced into sex work, and many are forced to undergo female genital mutilation.”
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Hero’s journey: How UNFPA helps mothers in Madagascar to access emergency obstetric care
Madagascar
ANDROY, Madagascar – It was time to leave for the hospital. Samueline Razafindravao had intended to give birth at her home in southern Madagascar, but after encountering difficulties, decided to go to her local health…
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Unpacking 5 truths about equality in sexual and reproductive health and rights today
UNITED NATIONS, New York – Over the past 30 years, global commitments to sexual and reproductive health and rights have made remarkable advances: Maternal death rates have dropped by almost a third, the number of women…
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Sexual violence and severe hunger surge as Sudan war passes one year
Sudan
Sudan – “I can’t forget that moment. I can’t forget his smell. I can’t forget their faces. This moment will haunt me until I die.”
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How UNFPA helps mothers around the world embrace their right to good health and safe pregnancy
UNITED NATIONS, New York – Everyone has the right to health; and for women and girls, one aspect of this fundamental promise is the right to safe motherhood.
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