NEWS

6 July 2007

UNFPA, NATIONAL PARTNERS DISSEMINATE WORLD POPULATION DAY

On 6 July 2007 the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in cooperation with its national partners – Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Women's Committee of Uzbekistan circulated the message of Mr. Ban Ki-moon, the UN Secretary-General dedicated to the World Population Day. The theme of this year's World Population Day is "Men as Partners in Maternal Health".

The message particularly states: "As partners for maternal health, men can save lives. They play a decisive role in many respects. Husbands often make decisions about family planning and the use of household resources that influence the well-being and prospect of the whole family.

The support of an informed husband improves pregnancy and childbirth outcomes and can mean the difference between life and death in cases of complications, when women need immediate medical care. And supportive fathers can play an important role in the love, care and nurturance of their children.

Far too many women die during pregnancy and childbirth because their right to reproductive health is denied. The alarming spread of HIV among women is a tragic reminder that in many places, women do not have the power to protect their own health.

When a woman can plan her family, she can plan the rest of her life. When she is healthy, she can be more productive. And when her reproductive rights are promoted and protected, she has freedom to participate fully and equally in society.

Partnering with men is an important strategy for advancing reproductive health and rights.

On this World Population Day, let us all encourage men to become partners and agents for change, supporting safe motherhood in every way possible, thus contributing to creating a world of greater health and opportunity for all."

UNFPA and its partners continue the media campaign dedicated to the World Population Day that is marked each year on 11 July.

UNFPA is an international development agency that promotes the right of every woman, man and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity. UNFPA supports countries in using population data for policies and programs to reduce poverty and to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe, every young person is free of HIV/AIDS, and every girl and woman is treated with dignity and respect.

Source: UzReport