Rwanda: Putting Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights At Front and Center in Rwanda

Community engagement has been regarded as a vital component to ensure that adolescents and young people have access to information on Sexual and Reproductive Health and rights… Read more »

Africa: Risking Death to Deliver Life - Too Many Women Are Still Paying the Ultimate Price

Joint Op-ed by Lydia Zigomo, Regional Director, UNFPA East and Southern Africa and Dr. Julitta Onabanjo, Director of UNFPA Technical Division Read more »

Africa: Curbing the Alarming Rates of Maternal and Newborn Deaths - UNFPA and Partners Call for Urgent Action to Invest in Midwifery

Every two minutes, a woman dies during pregnancy or childbirth; every 16 minutes, a baby is stillborn - most of these deaths are preventable with access to skilled midwives. Read more »

Southern Africa: Youth Leaders From East and Southern Africa Unite and Embark On HIV and Sexual, Reproductive Health Movement

More than 100 young people from 14 countries across East and Southern Africa gathered for a three and half day summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, to delve into critical issues… Read more »

Angola: Angola's Youth Take Charge of Their Sexual and Reproductive Health Through the Safeguard Young People Programme

Youth activist Silvia Francisco was stumped by an internal battle she faced - until she joined a programme that empowers people in their sexual and reproductive health. "I live… Read more »

Mozambique: Survivors of Cyclone Freddy Face Worst Cholera Outbreak in Two Decades

Tropical Cyclone Freddy and widespread flooding have swept through Mozambique, killing 183 people and leaving more than 640,000 homeless. Making matters worse, in the aftermath of… Read more »

Africa: Population Bomb, Bust - or Boon? New UNFPA Report Debunks 8 Myths About a World of 8 Billion

On 15 November 2022, the world's population reached a landmark 8 billion people. It's a staggering number - but what does it mean? What are the implications for the lives, rights,… Read more »

Africa: UNFPA Report Urges Radical Rethink of How Countries Address Changing Demographics

New data reveals population anxieties are widespread and governments are increasingly adopting policies aimed at raising, lowering or maintaining fertility rates. But efforts to… Read more »

Malawi: Young Mothers Find a Space Safe From Tropical Storm Freddy's Catastrophic Consequences

"We are sleeping in the cold," says 19-year-old Mirriam Karilito, who is seven months pregnant. "And when the rains come, it's worse." Read more »

Mozambique: 'Parents Thank Us for the Choices Their Daughters Make' - the Power of Youth Mentors in Reducing Teenage Pregnancy and Child Marriage

Mozambique It was a tough challenge that met strong resistance. But the group of young women that promote sexual and reproductive health among their peers in Montepuez could not… Read more »

Madagascar: How One Woman Went Into Labour As Cyclone Freddy Slammed Into Madagascar

"We knew the delivery was imminent and that everything was going well... But we didn't know it was going to be today." Georgette, a 26-year-old mother from Manakara in Madagascar,… Read more »

Namibia: Maternity Waiting Home Reduces Risks for Young Mothers-to-Be

Expecting her first child this month, Karikikuta van der Merve, 18, found herself in a predicament. Her tender age placed her at a higher risk of complications during childbirth.… Read more »

Africa: Six UNFPA Programmes Around the World Ensuring 'Health for All' in a World of 8 Billion

Today [April 7] marks the first World Health Day that humanity will celebrate as 8 billion. Read more »