This archive report was first published on 9 July 2019.
On the eve of the 12th Extraordinary Summit in Niamey, Niger, UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem commended African leaders on their progress in improving reproductive health and rights across the continent over the last 25 years.
Speaking during a presidential dinner hosted by Niger President Mahamadou Issofou on 6th July 2019, Dr. Kanem cited a one-third drop in maternal mortality in West and Central Africa, attributing the remarkable change to the Campaign on Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa (CARMMA).
Dr. Kanem also highlighted the increase in skilled birth attendance by qualified midwives, which has cut the risk of women dying in pregnancy or childbirth by half over the last 25 years.
As the international community commemorates the 25th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) held in Cairo, Egypt in 1994, Dr. Kanem invited all AU Heads of State and Government to attend a Summit in Nairobi from 12-14 November 2019 to recommit efforts aimed at accelerating access to sexual and reproductive health and rights.
The Summit will be a significant milestone for UNFPA as it marks its 50th anniversary.
