KATHMANDU: Dr. Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, has praised Nepal for its performance in the field of safe motherhood, reproductive health, family planning, and women empowerment.
Dr. Kanem said -“I believe we have a lot to learn from Nepal regarding what it has achieved in improving the lives of people in a relatively short period of time, despite formidable challenges, and the very strong commitment to accelerate progress on all fronts including in protecting the reproductive rights of women and girls.”
She was here in the capital on a two-day first official visit to Nepal and was speaking at a press meet at the Pulchowk-based UNFPA Office. She announced additional assistance on behalf of the UNFPA in Nepal’s efforts for safe motherhood and reproductive health, and also for the promotion of family planning and in the elimination of violence against women in the days ahead.”
Nepal has been getting continuous financial and technical support from the UNFPA since 1971 specifically in the areas of safe motherhood, sexual and reproductive health, family planning and empowerment of women and girls.
Dr. Kanem articulated that this year was truly special for UNFPA as it is celebrating its 50th anniversary and was overwhelmed with the impact of the organization in improving the lives and well-being of individuals and couples around the world over the last five decades.
She said that it was her honor to meet with senior government officials including the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health, as well as the key stakeholders and partners during this trip.
She expressed her belief that Nepal could and would play an instrumental role at the Nairobi Summit which marks the 25th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo.
Source: The Himalayan Times
