UNFPA in Afghanistan

NEWS

Date: 17/10/2011

THE FAMILY HEALTH HOUSE MODEL EXPANDS ITS REACH TO HERAT PROVINCE

"The FHH model is a sustainable response to Afghanistan reproductive health needs and represents a fundamental contribution to the improvement of maternal health in Afghanistan" affirmed Dr. Laurent Zessler, UNFPA Afghanistan Representative. Read more

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UNFPA SUPPORTS THE EXPERT SEMINAR ON AFGHANSITAN'S NATIONAL YOUTH POLICY

As part of the Government's ongoing public consultation process for the development of the country's first National Youth Policy, on 23 January 2013 the Deputy Ministry of Youth Affairs (DMoYA) with the support of High Peace Council and the technical support of UNFPA held an expert seminar titled Youth in Afghanistan: Challenges and Recommendations. Read more

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UNFPA AFGHANISTAN GOES TO TOKYO TO EXPRESS ITS GRATITUDE TO THE PEOPLE AND GOVERNMENT OF JAPAN

"Thanks to the generous financial support of the people of Japan the Central Statistics Organization of Afghanistan (CSO) with the technical support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has implemented the first provincial Socio-Demographic and Economic Survey (SDES), said Dr. Laurent Zessler, UNFPA Afghanistan Representative. "At present, the survey is completed in Bamiyan province and ongoing in Ghor and Daikundi provinces. This activity is a milestone in the history of statistics in Afghanistan as this is the first large scale data collection activity since the 1979 population census", added Dr. Zessler. Read more

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THE MINISTRY OF PUBLIC HEALTH OF AFGHANISTAN CELEBRATES THE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN THANKS TO UNFPA SUPPORT

In Afghanistan more than 80 per cent of women experience at least one form of violence in their life time. This is a tragic reality resulting in devastating consequences for the society as a whole. Ms. Mujgan Mustafavi, Deputy Minister of Women Affairs, highlighted the need for a coordinated and political commitment among parliamentarians, members of the government and civil society to eliminate violence against women in Afghanistan. Read more

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UNFPA AFGHANISTAN ATTENDS THE LAUNCH OF SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC AND ECONOMIC SURVEY IN NILI, DAIKUNDI

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Afghanistan attended the launch of Socio-demographic and Economic Survey (SDES) in Nili Daikundi on October 3rd, 2012. The official launch of SDES was organized by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) and UNFPA. The event was covered by local media in Daikundi and attended by the local authorities and the Japanese embassy in Kabul. Read more

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MESSAGE OF UNFPA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DR. BABATUNDE OSOTIMEHIN, FOR THE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

Every day, women and girls face violence in the home, in communities, in conflicts, in aftermaths of natural disasters. It is estimated that up to 70 per cent of women - which is 7 out of every 10 women - experience some form of violence in their life. No human development goal can be achieved as long as women and girls continue to suffer from violence or live in fear of it. Read more

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STATE OF THE WORLD POPULATION REPORT 2012

Kabul,18 November 2012 Dr. Laurent Zessler, UNFPA Representative and HE Dr. Suraya Dalil, Minister of Public Health raise awareness on Family Planning in Afghanistan during the launch of the UNFPA State of the World Population Report 2012 titled "By choice, not by chance: family planning, human rights and development". Read more

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SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC AND ECONOMIC SURVEY IN GHOR AND DAIKUNDI PROVINCE

"With the generous financial support of the people of Japan, the Central Statistics Organization of Afghanistan (CSO) with the technical support of UNFPA, has implemented the first provincial Socio-Demographic and Economic Survey (SDES). At present, the survey is completed in Bamiyan province and ongoing in Ghor and Daikundi provinces" said Dr. Laurent Zessler, UNFPA Afghanistan Representative. Read more

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND RIGHTS, GENDER EQUALITY AND POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT FOR AFGHAN PEOPLE

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) started its operation in Afghanistan in 1976. When political upheavals in the late 1970s prompted large numbers of Afghans to flee the country and take refuge in neighboring Iran and Pakistan, UNFPA extended the scope of its interventions to reach refugees in both Iran and Pakistan. In 2002 UNFPA first established its country office in Kabul. Read more

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD 2012

The International Day of the Girl Child focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls' empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights. Preventing child marriage will protect girls' rights and help reduce their risks of violence, early pregnancy, HIV infection, and maternal death and disability, including obstetric fistula. Read more

"POLICE TAKING ACTION TO COMBAT VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS IN AFGHANISTAN" LAUNCH OF AWARENESS RAISING CAMPAIGN

"Protections for women and girls are a central component of transition and post-transition security frameworks for Afghanistan. In this regard the role of police field officers is crucial and in several cases is the first entry point for gender based violence victims. The joint efforts of UNFPA and EUPOL are aimed to strengthen the capacity of the Afghan National Police and prosecutors to recognize and prevent gender based violence, and to assist the victims in humane and ethical ways. The awareness campaign we launched today intends to support the work of trained female and male police officers instructed to support victims of violence against women through the Human Rights and Family Response Units established in many of the police station in Afghanistan" said Dr. Laurent Zessler, UNFPA Afghanistan Representative. Read more

UNFPA PRESENTS A DOCUMENTARY ON THE FIRST SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC AND ECONOMIC SURVEY IN AFGHANISTAN

The success of the Bamiyan experience confirms the advantages of a provincial large-scale survey approach in Afghanistan. This type of approach can guarantee, for example, a better preventive and response capacity to ensure security conditions are acceptable for the survey to be conducted and more efficiency in management and logistics processes. Read more

INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY 2012 YOUNG AFGHANS CELEBRATE IN KABUL

"Ensuring that every young person's potential is fulfilled, is the United Nations Population Fund priority. To celebrate young men and women of Afghanistan, UNFPA states the importance to end gender discrimination against girls" said Dr. Laurent Zessler, UNFPA Afghanistan Representative. Read more

FIRST YOUTH HEALTH LINE IN AFGHANISTAN TO CELEBRATE THE INTERNATIOANL YOUTH DAY

"Evidence has shown that comprehensive sexual education that is age-appropriate, gender-sensitive and life skills-based can provide young people with the knowledge, skills and efficacy to make informed decisions about their sexual life. When young people are equipped with accurate and relevant information, and access to counseling and Reproductive Health services that are non-judgmental and affordable, they are better able to take advantage of educational and other opportunities that will impact their lifelong well-being, and also avoid unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions, improve their sexual and reproductive health and protect themselves against sexually transmitted infections including HIV" said Dr. Laurent Zessler, UNFPA Representative in Afghanistan. Read more

INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY 2012 YOUNG AFGHANS CELEBRATE IN KABUL

11 JULY2012: WORLD POPULATION DAY

"Delivering a, world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled is the United Nations Population Fund vision; UNFPA Afghanistan is committed to support afghan women and men to fulfill their reproductive rights and to address the health inequities between rural and impoverished women and urban area" states Dr. Laurent Zessler, UNFPA Afghanistan Representative. Read more

UNFPA'S STATEMENT AT THE TOKYO CONFERENCE ON AFGHANISTAN

Afghanistan has made noteworthy progress in education and health, in spite of many challenges. Maternal health has improved significantly and, as a result, less women are dying due to pregnancy and child birth related causes. Yet, maternal mortality in Afghanistan still remains to be one of the highest in Asia. Read more

SAFE MOTHERHOOD DAY, 10TH JUNE 2012

"Most of the maternal deaths are preventable, and we know that 80% of these deaths can be avoided by attendance of skilled health providers during child birth" said UNFPA CO Representative Dr. Laurent Zessler. Read more

MILESTONE IN THE HISTORY OF STATISTICS IN AFGHANISTAN

"I congratulate CSO for the successful completion of the survey and I express UNFPA gratitude to the Governor of Bamiyan for the support and strong desire to obtain data on the smallest administrative unit, village and district at the provincial level which will help the province to design and prepare plans based on reliable data" said Dr. Laurent Zessler, UNFPA Representative in Afghanistan. He further added that UNFPA will continue to support CSO in conducting SDES in all provinces and such that data will be available for the country's sustainable development. Read more

IN VIEW OF THE CHICAGO SUMMIT, UNFPA CALLS FOR INCLUSION OF PROTECTIONS FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS CENTRAL TO TRANSITION SECURITY SECTOR FRAMEWORK FOR AFGHANISTAN

UNAMA, UN Women and UNFPA call on the Afghan Government and NATO to ensure that the protection of women and girls is a central component of future security arrangements. In a joint press release issued yesterday, UNAMA, UN Women and UNFPA urge NATO and the Afghan Government to fulfill Security Council Resolution 1325, which requires all parties to take special measures to protect women and girls in armed conflict. The resolution also stresses the critical role women can play in all efforts to promote peace and security. Read more

UNFPA STRENGHTENS ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUNG PEOPLE IN AFGHANISTAN

"It is inspiring and refreshing to listen to the opinions of young Afghans. UNFPA will start from your ideas to better respond to the needs of young people in Afghanistan", said Dr. Laurent Zessler, UNFPA Representative, in a meeting with the Youth Advisory Panel. Read more

THE Y-PEER VOLUNTEER GLOBAL NETWORK REACHES KABUL
THANKS TO UNFPA AFGHANISTAN

"We are training these peer educators on how to transfer information to other youth in a way that they will be able to absorb and use it. We will talk about best learning methodologies for youth, information sharing with youth, the perceptions on sexual and reproductive health, attitudes and values of youth and working together with youth as adults and supporting them" - said Shubha Kayastha, the international coordinator in charge of advocacy for Y-Peer, during the 5 days training in Afghanistan. Read more

UNFPA AFGHANISTAN ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011 IS ONLINE

The UNFPA Afghanistan Country Office released its Annual Report 2010-2011 to highlight the most important initiatives and achievements of UNFPA Afghanistan during the first half of its third country programme (2010 - 2013). The Report will present also a preview of its future plans and directions. Read more

UNFPA SUPPORTS POLICE FIELD STAFF ON PREVENTION AND RESPONSE TO VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

Kabul, Afghanistan - Dr. Laurent Zessler, UNFPA Afghanistan Representative and Mr. Fazludin Ayar, Chief Commander of 202 Zone Police Headquarters inaugurate today Training of Trainers for Police on Prevention and Response to Cases of Violence against Women and Girls (VAW). Read more

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN DAY 2012 IN AFGHANISTAN:
UNFPA EMPHASIZES PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL CONCEQUENCES OF EARLY MARRIAGE

"I realized that there are strong women out there to support us, when we have problems we have to raise our voices and ask for help. We should not stay silent. We do not have to stay silent anymore, someone will help us. To have learned that there is always someone to help us made me very happy" said Zahra, a university student from Kabul attending a public presentation of the cartoon story ‘Teacher Malalai Adventures: Mina's Early Marriage'. Read more

POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT:
NEW AGREEMENT FOR THE SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC AND ECONOMIC SURVEY IN GOHR AND DAIKUNDI PROVINCE

Kabul, Afghanistan - The Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Reiichiro Takahashi, and the UNFPA Representative, Dr. Laurent Zessler signed an agreement for 11.4 million USD to support the Central Statistics Organization of Afghanistan. The agreement refers primarily to the Socio-Demographic and Economic Survey (SDES) implementation in Ghor and Daikundi Province. Read more

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN DAY:
UNFPA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR STATEMENT

Empower Rural Women - End Hunger and Poverty
Message of Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, UNFPA Executive Director

UNFPA works with governments and other development partners to empower rural women and ensure that they can claim their right to sexual and reproductive health. With our partners, we strive to strengthen healthcare systems and develop new ways to inform women and girls about their rights, especially about access to family planning. These efforts save lives and advance human development. Read more

THE MINISTRY OF PUBLIC HEALTH RECEIVES 6.1 MILLION USD
FROM THE UNITED NATIONS POPULATION FUND TO SUPPORT
THE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND THE GENDER STRATEGY

"If all pregnant women and mothers had access to skilled birth attendants, family planning and emergency obstetric care , many deaths and disabilities could be prevented. UNFPA renews today its commitment to support the Ministry of Public Health in the effort to reinforce the public health system of Afghanistan and enhance investment in them.", said Dr. Laurent Zessler, the UNFPA Afghanistan Representative. Read more

YOUTH AND DEVELOPMENT:
UNFPA SUPPORTS YOUTH IN AFGHANISTAN

"I see this Conference as a unique opportunity to raise your voices, share experiences, and being inspired by others. I hope you will use this opportunity to strengthen the ties between young people and institution, international and local organizations." Said Dr. Laurenz Zessler, UNFPA Representative attending the Third Annual Youth Conference organized by Youth in Action Association (YIAA) in Kabul on the 24th of December 2011. Read more

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH:
UNFPA SUPPORTS THE PRODUCTION OF A RADIO DRAMA TO RAISE AWARNESS ON OBSTETRIC FISTULA IN AFGHANISTAN

Titled "Darde Penhan" which means "The unnamable pain", the radio drama is a journey in the life of an afghan women living with obstetric fistula in Afghanistan today. From physical towards emotional pain because you have lost a child and you are isolated from your family and loved ones as it is difficult for them to ignore the smell urine and feces, to finally discover the possibility to find a treatment for your medical condition. Read more

VOICES FROM AFGHANISTAN

A world of 7 billion people poses many challenges - and offers countless opportunities to make a positive difference. 7 Billion Actions, established by the United Nations Population Fund, inspires change that will make a difference by highlighting positive action by individuals and organizations around the world. Everyone has an opportunity and a responsibility to make a world of 7 billion a better place for all. We are collecting stories of individuals making a difference in their communities and globally. Your story can inspire others to take action. Read more

THE CHILDBIRTH INJURY, OBSTETRIC FISTULA:
A PROBLEM THAT CAN BE SOLVED

Obstetric fistula is a hole in the birth canal caused by prolonged labour without prompt medical intervention, usually a Caesarean section. The woman is left with chronic incontinence and, in most cases, a stillborn baby. Read more

UNFPA AFGHANISTAN PRESENTS "TEACHER MALALAI ADVENTURES:
MINA'S EARLY MARRIAGE"

Mina's Early Marriage is the first episode of Teacher Malalai Adventures in which the teacher faces the phenomenon of early marriage in Afghanistan. Her student Mina, a 13 years old girl, is forced to abandon the school because her parents arranged her marriage but Teacher Malalai is determined to find a solution to support Mina's dream to become a doctor. Read more

25 NOVEMBER:
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF ELIMINATION OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence is an international campaign that runs from 25 November, International Day of Elimination of Violence against Women, through 10 December, International Human Rights Day. This year's theme is "From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World" highlighting the key roles women play in the family and as peacemakers and peacekeepers in war zones. In Afghanistan, support for women's issues is one of the five priorities of the United Nations agencies and programmes. Read more

INVEST IN THE 7 BILLION AS HUMAN CAPITAL

The 7 billionth person will be born into a world that is very different from when the United Nations was founded in 1945, when our numbers were only about a third of what they are today. Read more

POPULATION & DEVELOPMENT:
WORLD POPULATION TOPS 7 BILLION

The State of World Population 2011: People and possibilities in a world of 7 billion shows that actions we take today could determine whether world population will grow to 10 billion or 16 billion by the end of the century, and could ensure that our future is more equitable and environmentally sustainable. Read more

POPULATION & DEVELOPMENT:
THE STATE OF THE WORLD POPULATION REPORT 2011

This year's State of World Population Report, People and Possibilities in a World of 7 Billion, looks at the dynamics behind numbers. It explains the trends that are defining our world of 7 billion and documents actions that people in vastly different countries and circumstances are taking in their own communities to make the most of their - and our - world. Read more

CONNECTING PEOPLE. INSPIRING ACTIONS.

A world of 7 billion has implications for sustainability, urbanization, access to health services and youth empowerment. It is also an opportunity to renew global commitment for a healthy and sustainable world. Read more

BAMYAN IS THE FIRST PROVINCE IN AFGHANISTAN TO UNDERTAKE LARGE SCALE SURVEY

Over 500 residents of Bamyan have been employed and trained to become data collectors for what will be a large-scale survey, the first of its kind in Bamyan and the country. The SDES data collectors reached all districts to give the population the chance to be counted. Read more