Abuja, Nigeria - 23rd April 2024
Abuja, Nigeria – (23rd April 2024) UNFPA Executive Director, Dr. Natalia Kanem and Nigeria Vice President Shettima expressed their shared commitment to addressing challenges related to women’s health and well-being during a courtesy visit by Dr Natalia Kanem and UNFPA delegation to the Vice President. They also committed to implementing effective strategies to improve women's health and well-being.
Dr. Kanem was in Nigeria for the regional launch of the State of World Population Report 2024, which highlights the progress made since the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo in 1994. During the meeting, Dr. Kanem expressed her admiration for Nigeria's efforts in uplifting women and girls and recognized the country as a worthy example.
She emphasized UNFPA's commitment to removing the burdens faced by women and girls, particularly through initiatives like training midwives. She also underscored the importance of ensuring that no woman loses her life while giving birth. The executive director also emphasized the importance of accurate censuses to enhance demographic dividend and ensure inclusive development.
Speaking about Nigeria’s population, Shettima acknowledged its projected growth, stating that with a median age of 16.9 years old, by 2050 Nigeria is expected to become the most populous nation on earth.
He expressed Nigeria's identification with the goals set forth by UNFPA and commended the impact of the organisation towards Nigeria country office stating: “Even in the darker times of the insurgency, UNFPA did not run away.” The State of the World Report (SWOP) 2024 was launched on April 24th in Abuja and highlights that over half of preventable maternal deaths occur in countries affected by crises and conflicts.
It also found significant disparities faced by African women who according to statistics, experience a 130 times higher risk of maternal deaths compared to their counterparts in Europe and Northern America. The report brings attention to the higher maternal mortality rates among women of African descent in the Americas, as well as the increased vulnerability faced by indigenous women and women with disabilities.
Gender-based violence was also identified as a critical issue affecting individuals with diverse sexual orientations and gender expressions. Also in attendance at the meeting was National Population Commission members. NPC chairman Nasir Isa Kwarra attested to the strong collaboration between UNFPA and the commission.
