This archive report was first published on 7 July 2019.
July 6, 2019, marked a significant milestone in Niamey, Niger, as African Union Heads of State and Government gathered for a meeting. The occasion was a testament to the continent's progress in reproductive health rights and services over the last 25 years.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Executive Director, Dr. Natalia Kanem, commended the African leaders on their visionary stewardship. Speaking on the eve of the 12th Extraordinary Summit, Dr. Kanem highlighted the launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the First Mid-Year Coordination meeting with Heads of Regional Economic Communities.
Dr. Kanem noted that African women's access to family planning has increased, and skilled birth attendance by qualified midwives has also increased, cutting the risk of women dying in pregnancy or childbirth by half. She attributed this remarkable change to the Campaign on Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa (CARMMA).
The dinner hosted by Nigerien President Mahamadou Issofou was attended by over 1,000 guests, including 15 Heads of State and Governments, First Ladies, Ministers, and Technical and Financial Partners. The event featured a performance by Youssou N'dour and a fashion parade by African haute couture designers.
Dr. Kanem emphasized that despite the progress made, there are still gaps and challenges. She invited African Heads of State and Government to attend a Summit in Nairobi from November 12-14, 2019, to recommit efforts aimed at accelerating access to sexual and reproductive health and rights for millions of women and girls.
This year marks a significant milestone for UNFPA as it celebrates its 50th anniversary and the international community commemorates 25 years since the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo, Egypt in 1994.
