MTN wins AfricaCom Award Nov 18, 2009
In addition, there was Health Tips, which provided sexual and reproductive health information, paired with Clinic Finder, which helped locate nearby health clinics and their services. The statement said since its launch, MTN Google SMS had already attracted more than 1. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
WHO: Women's health a 'priority' Nov 13, 2009
Much of the report focuses on sexual and reproductive health, which it says are vital to women's well-being, but it also says "harmful behaviors in relation to sex, tobacco and alcohol use, diet and physical activity" during adolescence can haunt women later in life. "Establishing healthy habits at younger ages can help women to live active and healthy lives until well into old age," the report says. (CNN -- International)
Lack of Health Care Worsens Women's Life Quality: WHO Nov 11, 2009
"In many countries, sexual and reproductive health services tend to focus exclusively on married women and ignore the needs of unmarried women and adolescents," the report said. "Paradoxically, health systems are often unresponsive to the needs of women despite the fact that women themselves are major contributors to health, through their roles as primary care givers in the family and also health care providers," it said. (MEDLINEplus)
India behind other nations in child care: Human Rights Watch Nov 4, 2009
Aruna Kashyap, researcher for the Women's rights division of HRW, said: "India should be a leader in protecting and monitoring women's sexual and reproductive health. Yet women continue to die entirely preventable deaths, and health authorities do not track down the reasons or do what is needed to rectify the health system.". The government counts the number of births in health clinics and hospitals but these are often "woefully under-resourced and under-staffed", it said. (India Times, India -- Community News)
Kenya: Practical Measures Needed on Teen Sexual Education Oct 28, 2009
The report also confirms what many youth workers observe in their daily work: the youth are having sex but they lack vital information on sexual and reproductive health. IPS visited St Georges Boys Secondary School in Kaloleni, Kilifi, in Kenya's Coast province, and found that myths abound among the youth where matters of sexuality are concerned. (allAfrica.com)
Sex education urged for all youths in China Oct 21, 2009
In China, single youths who are also sexually active are not well covered by government-sponsored sexual and reproductive health services like consultations, health checks and free contraceptives like condoms. Meanwhile, young married couples can get free condoms from family planning clinics and at work places. (Xinhuanet, China)
Conference urges sexual health service for Asia-Pacific youth Oct 19, 2009
The declaration called on national governments and civil societies to offer consultation and services on sexual and reproductive health to young people, especially to marginalized groups such as migrant workers. The declaration noted that poverty and malnutrition make young people in the region vulnerable to greater risks of HIV transmission. (Xinhuanet, China)
Abortions worldwide decline, study shows Oct 14, 2009
The number of abortions worldwide has declined in recent years as access to contraception has increased, according to a report released Tuesday by a US think tank that studies sexual and reproductive health ... The number of abortions worldwide has declined in recent years as access to contraception has increased, according to a report released Tuesday by a US think tank that studies sexual and reproductive health. (India Times, India)
UN chief renews call for women's equality Oct 13, 2009
"Fifteen years ago in Cairo, for the first time, governments acknowledged that every person has the right to sexual and reproductive health," the secretary-general said. On the plus side, Ban said, more women and couples use modern contraception today-56 percent compared with 47 percent in 1994. (OregonLive, OR -- News)
Lets talk about sex, baby Oct 3, 2009
"You can do so by pledging your support at www.your-life-asia.com. This regional youth pledge is an opportunity for the Malaysian youth to join voices with others across Asia Pacific to make the right choices, avoid unplanned pregnancies and STDs, as well as to take responsibility for their sexual and reproductive health.". What the survey showed about the Malaysian youth. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Pregnant pause? Sep 24, 2009
At the same time, many women said they were skimping on birth control, switching to a cheaper method or even going without as a way of saving money, according to the survey by researchers at the not-for-profit Alan Guttmacher Institute, which studies sexual and reproductive health. "The recession has put many women including middle-class women who are having trouble making ends meet in an untenable situation," Dr. Sharon Camp, Guttmacher's president and chief executive, said in a... (MSNBC -- Health)
Birth control could help combat climate Sep 20, 2009
"There is now an emerging debate and interest about the links between population dynamics, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and climate change," the commentary says. In countries with access to condoms and other contraceptives, average family sizes tend to fall sig 00004000 nificantly within a generation. (India Times)
Expert advice: Use condoms to help climate Sep 19, 2009
"There is now an emerging debate and interest about the links between population dynamics, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and climate change," the commentary said. Earlier this year, a Lancet commission on climate change and health reported its finding that "climate change is the biggest global health threat of the 21st century.". (MSNBC -- Environment)
Botswana: World HIV/Aids Figures Go Up Sep 18, 2009
The theme of the three day workshop is: 'Strengthening linkages between Sexual Reproductive Health (SHR) and HIV: Sharing evidence and best practices". It has brought together health officials from the region. Malefho said according to the UNAIDS/WHO, around 67% of people living with HIV are in the Sub-Saharan Africa. Africa has 11.6 million orphans. He added that it is critical to identify interventions that will ensure realisation of Millennium Development Goals (MDG) especially those on... (allAfrica.com)
Africa: Maternal Mortality, a Human Rights Catastrophe Sep 18, 2009
During the month of June, women's sexual and reproductive health rights received some welcome attention ... The 1994 conference was a watershed in terms of bringing a rights-based approach to population control and women's sexual and reproductive health. (allAfrica.com)
Msians still ignorant about the spread of AIDS Sep 6, 2009
To combat this growing social issue, there was an urgent need for youth friendly sexual and reproductive health services that provided confidentiality and trust while being non-judgemental, she added. - Bernama. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
U.N., Germans Host Abortion Rights Confab Sep 4, 2009
This week in Berlin, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the German government are hosting a meeting that brings together 400 "reproductive rights" activists from across the globe to discuss strategies to push "sexual and reproductive health and rights" including abortion at the local, national and international level. The conference is billed as an event for non-government organizations to commemorate the fifteenth anniversary of the International Conference on Population and... (Newsmax)
Catholics for Choice Believes in Healthcare Reform, Supports Federal Funding for Abortion Sep 4, 2009
"Catholics for Choice's position on the integration of reproductive healthcare into overall healthcare reform calls for the inclusion of five main areas of sexual and reproductive health in any reform proposal: contraception, abortion, assisted reproductive technology, pre- and postnatal care, and HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment. We believe that contraception should not just be affordable, it should be free. We believe that abortion should be federally funded and covered by all insurance... (PR Newswire)
Rwanda: Health Minister Sezibera Bemoans Youth Illiteracy Aug 28, 2009
"The current health sector strategic plan in response to EDPRS identifies sexual and reproductive health needs of youth as an area of concern to be tackled by all government departments," Sezibera noted ... The Minister's remarks were supported by UNFPA Youth and HIV Advisor, Asha Muhamud, who noted that though parallel approaches to youth's sexual and reproductive health are successful, there is need to develop more sustainable and coordinated solution. (allAfrica.com)
Africa: Family Planning - Expand Role for Private Sector Aug 7, 2009
The model, started in the country in 2004, extends sexual and reproductive health services through existing private sector providers. The organisation identified private providers in communities where contraceptive prevalence was low and trained them in highly effective long-term family planning methods. (allAfrica.com)
Africa: HIV Laws Do More Harm Than Good Jul 31, 2009
The International Planned Parenthood Federation, a global organisation that advocates sexual and reproductive health and rights, counts 58 countries around the world with laws in place to prosecute HIV transmission and 33 others that are considering passing such legislation. Of these, twenty are in Africa. (allAfrica.com)
Africa: IAS Opening Address By Stephen Lewis Jul 21, 2009
So when, as now, there's a backlash against funding for AIDS, with mindless charges against AIDS exceptionalism, you should find a way, collectively, to shoot down the pinched bureaucrats and publicity-seeking academics who advocate exchanging the health of some for the health of others - who propose robbing Peter to pay Paul rather than arguing, in principled fashion, that money must be found for every imperative, including maternal and child health, and sexual and reproductive health, and... (allAfrica.com)
Teen Pregnancy, STDs on Rise Again Jul 20, 2009
It found that previously improving trends in teens' and young adults' sexual and reproductive health have flattened or may be worsening in some cases ... "This report identifies a number of concerns regarding the sexual and reproductive health of our nation's young people," Janet Collins, director of CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, said in a news release. (ABC News)
Activists From Advocates for Youth Join Hundreds of Young Leaders in Jobs Summit Jul 14, 2009
Terica Gant is a member of MySistahs, an online peer education site created by and for young women of color to provide information and support on sexual and reproductive health issues. Terica is a graduate of Southern University of Baton Rouge and is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Social Work. (PR Newswire)
Pope, Obama may find common ground in 'Charity in Truth' Jul 8, 2009
"It is time for Pope Benedict to hear from fellow world leaders that the church hierarchy's stance on sexual and reproductive health and development aid is causing those living in poverty more pain. Certainly, President Obama could be the one to deliver that message.". Posted. (USA Today)
Kenya: Online Trading Tool to Benefit Farmers Jul 7, 2009
The suite include Farmer's Friend, a searchable database with both agricultural advice and targeted weather forecasts; Health Tips which provides sexual and reproductive health information, paired with Clinic Finder, which helps locate nearby health clinics and their services; and Google Trader, which matches buyers and sellers of agricultural produce and commodities as well as other products. Using the Google Trader application, local buyers and sellers, such as small-holder farmers, are able... (allAfrica.com)
Obama Admin. Calls for Universal Abortion Access Jul 3, 2009
The US proposal calls for universal access to sexual and reproductive health services including universal access to family planning ... In addition to the word "services," delegates are also concerned with attempts to link sexual and reproductive health to universal access, something the UN has never agreed to and what would amount to a major gain for pro-abortion forces ... There have been numerous attempts at the UN to insert language on "universal access to sexual and reproductive... (Newsmax)
Kassena Nankana pupils excel in reproductive health issues. Jun 27, 2009
Navrongo (U.E/R), June 26, GNA - Pupils in the two Kassena- Nankana Districts of the Upper East Region have been advised to let their knowledge in Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) reflect in their lives so that they can stay in good health to pursue higher education ... The Research Centre for the past seven years had been undertaking feasible interventions to improve the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents in the two districts, and involved peer educators, adult... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Join Congress, see the world Jun 22, 2009
Population , an organization that works to promote sexual and reproductive health, flew him and his wife, former St. Louis municipal court judge Debra Carnahan, to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in February 2008. The five-day, $18,420 trip involved talks about women s reproductive health issues, according to information compiled by the non-profit, nonpartisan. (St. Louis Business Journal, MO)
South Africa: More Than 25 Percent of Men Have Committed Rape - Report Jun 19, 2009
Mogomotsi Mfalapitsa, spokesman for EngenderHealth, an international NGO promoting sexual and reproductive health in poor communities, told IRIN that from the cradle the boy child was bombarded with "harmful masculinity" messages, from the toy gun to the belief that men should have "multiple concurrent sexual partners", and that it was a man's "right to have sex". All males are pulled through the mud [by the incidence of rape in South Africa. (allAfrica.com)
Teens are heading in wrong direction: Likely to have sex, but not use contraception Jun 18, 2009
The Guttmacher Instituteadvances sexual and reproductive health worldwide through research, policy analysis and public education. About the Mailman School of Public Health. (EurekAlert!)
Africa comes to Mother Jun 6, 2009
"Investing in girls' education, sexual and reproductive health and economic empowerment has powerful multiplier effects on families and communities.". Tweedie said that former president Nelson Mandela's wife Graca Machel who would attend the forum in her capacity as president of the Foundation for Community Development in Mozambique had been particularly supportive of the forum in its endeavour to address women's issues. (iAfrica.com)
Center for Reproductive Rights Deeply Saddened by Murder of Dr. George Tiller Jun 1, 2009
For this reason, the U.N. Special Representative on Human Rights Defenders has recognized those who promote women's right to sexual and reproductive health as women's human rights defenders. She also identified healthcare providers as human rights defenders where those individuals faced great risk in working to promote the rights of others. (PR Newswire)
Africa: Four UN Agencies Unite for Maternal, Newborn Health Apr 14, 2009
The UNFPA, the report said, would focus on reproductive health commodity support, support to implementation, human resources for sexual and reproductive health, while World Bank would be responsible for health financing, inclusion of maternal, newborn and child health in national development frameworks, strategic planning, investment in input for health systems, including judiciary systems and governance. Be the first to. (allAfrica.com)
UNFPA pays tribute to health workers on World Health Day Apr 8, 2009
Accra, April 7, GNA - Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, Executive Director of United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), on Tuesday paid tribute to all health workers who respond when emergencies strike and called for greater attention to be paid to the needs of women and their right to sexual and reproductive health. "Today, on World Health Day, UNFPA joins the World Health Organization (WHO) in drawing attention to the safety of health facilities and the readiness of health workers to treat people in... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Pregnancy Choices offers support, advice Apr 1, 2009
Facts in Brief, Facts on Americans Teens Sexual and Reproductive Health, The Alan Guttmacher Institute, 09/2006. Every day, 52,000 people are infected with an STD.. (Logan Herald Journal, UT)
University, Obama break from abstinence-only pack Mar 19, 2009
Eighty-six percent of these pregnancies are unintended and nearly 25 percent end in fetal termination, according to research from the Guttmacher Institute, a research institution which seeks to advance sexual and reproductive health. Given that six in 10 women and more than five in 10 men are sexually active by the time they reach their 18th birthday, the educational gap is falling during the very time they are still supposed to be under the wings of wiser, more experienced adults. (The University Echo, TN)
Africa: Sexual Offence Victims Need Immediate Health Care Mar 17, 2009
"We find that the specific emergency care needed for victims of rape is either very rare or completely absent in the countries where we operate," said Thilde Knudsen, MSF's sexual and reproductive health advisor. Some of the survivors, whose stories appear in the report expressed fears of having contracted HIV from their perpetrators who were mostly soldiers and rebels. (allAfrica.com)
BETTER LIFE: More on sexual health Feb 11, 2009
Sexual health - Better Life - USATODAY.com. Cupid Countdown, Day 1: Keeping love alive. (USA Today -- Life)
Gambia takes on as National Program UAB project to abolish FGM Feb 7, 2009
To combat this problem, in 1989 researcher Adriana Kaplan began a research line on sexual and reproductive health among immigrant populations with fieldworks in Gambia and Spain. Now Dr Kaplan has achieved one of the most important goals of her work, which is the acceptance of the Initiation without Mutilation project by the Gambian government and the creation of a National Programme under the Health Ministry's Department of State for Health l Welfare. (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
