News story
“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…
Read story
News story
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…
Read story
News story
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.
Read story
News story
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.
Read story
News story
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.”
Read story
News story
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…
Read story
News story
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…
Read story
News story
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.”
Read story
News story
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.
Read story
News story
“You will thrive”: How a UNFPA-supported shelter empowers women and girls in Zambia to break free from abuse
Zambia
LUSAKA, Zambia – “We began our life together from scratch. I was full of life, passion and blind love,” says mother-of-three Mwaka*. “Then, later, you find out who the person truly is.”
Read story
News story
“Haïti must rise from her ashes”: Health workers on the front lines of a spiralling crisis
Haiti
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haïti – The National Institute for Midwifery in Haïti's capital usually trains around 80 midwives per year, who go on to help thousands of pregnant women deliver their babies safely.
Read story
News story
“Always a fighter”: Afrodescendent activist Lilian León offers solidarity and support to survivors of gender-based violence in northern Perú
Peru
PIURA, Perú – “Without light, water, internet and telephone services, how could we seek help? Who would listen?” said Afrodescendent farmer, craftswoman and women’s rights activist Lilian León.
Read story