Media, UNFPA delibrate on population agenda

Twenty years on, an operational review of the ICPD-PoA has been undertaken to document progress and achievements in the implementation of the PoA in Africa.

Among the many objectives of the review is to renew political will and commitment for the PoA and the actions required for the full implementation of the ICPD goals.

The media professionals together with UNFPA communication officers in the region are at an advocacy workshop to deliberate on how the media can effectively advocate to ensure that the findings and recommendations of the regional report serve as the major reference for discussing, implementing and monitoring population and development policies and programmes beyond 2014.

Addressing the participants at the opening of the three-day workshop,  Ms Lina Mousa, acting Regional Director, UNFPA, for Central, Eastern and Southern Africa said the ICPD came out with a new strategic approach to addressing population and development issues and with an ambitious programme to address all aspects of reproductive health.

She expanded that the ICPD shifted focus of the population policy from human numbers to 'improving the quality of human lives through investment in health, education, food, nutrition, shelter, clothing, among others.'

According to her, the UNFPA has for a long time invested in forging partnership with the media to project the issues of the ICPD since the organisation recognises the contributions that the media can make to the knowledge and information that the stakeholders need and are contributing in that aspect.

By Rosemary Ardayfio/Daily Graphic/Ghana