Sana'a, 13 March 2008

Mr. Hans Obdeijn, the Representative of the UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, met on March 31st with the Minster of Endowments and Guidance, Hamud Al-Hitar, to discuss the challenges facing Yemen as a result of the high population growth rate (currently 3.01%). The meeting also tackled the preparation process undertaken by the Minister to launch an awareness campaign in the fields of reproductive and family health.

 During the meeting, Al-Hitar said his Ministry in cooperation with concerned experts would prepare an awareness programs to tackle the population challenge that the country now faces For his part, Obdeijn highlighted the importance of reinforcing such programs, especially in rural areas, affirming UNFPA readiness to provide all necessary assistance and support for these important activities.

On March 22nd, Obdeijn met with the Deputy of the Parliament Speaker, Mr. Akraam Ateya, to discuss the population issue in Yemen and its consequences for the country's future. During the meeting, Mr. Ateya expressed his appreciation for UNFPA's work in supporting Yemen in the fields of reproductive health, gender, and population development. Ateya also highlighted that the draft Safe Motherhood law has been discussed in Parliament and forwarded to the specialized committee for review in accordance with Islamic Shari'a law.

Obdeijn then met with the Health and Population Committee of the Parliament and discussed with them the important role of the committee in raising awareness among parliamentarians about the population issue and its challenges and the best way of advocating for solutions. As a result, it was agreed to organize a Rapid Analysis presentation for all the members of Parliament.

The meeting also aimed to activate the relationship between this Parliamentary Committee and the UNFPA as well as other key partners such as the National Population Council (NPC) and the Population Sector in the Ministry of Public Health and Population (MoPHP). .

The Secretary General of NPC and the Deputy Minister of MoPHP for the Population Sector also attended the meeting.

On the same issue, Obdeijn met on March 3rd with the Minister of Finance, Mr. Numan al-Suhaibi, to discuss the importance of allocating sufficient financial resources to enable Yemen to tackle this issue.

Source: Saba'a News Agency

   . Back to top