Abuja, Nigeria - 23rd April 2024
Dr. Natalia Kanem, the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), held a crucial meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima of Nigeria in Abuja. The meeting took place in the context of Dr. Kanem's visit to Nigeria for the regional launch of the State of World Population Report.
The report highlights the progress made but the work that’s also left to be done 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. Dr. Kanem underscored the importance of ensuring that no woman loses her life while giving birth.
Vice President Shettima acknowledged Nigeria's projected population 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 highlighted their shared commitment to addressing the challenges ahead. Vice President Shettini also commended the work of UNFPA Nigeria country office stating: “Even in the darker times of the insurgency, UNFPA did not run away.
Specifically, the report highlights the significant disparities faced by African women, who experience a 130 times higher risk of maternal deaths compared to their counterparts in Europe and Northern America. It also emphasizes that over half of preventable maternal deaths occur in countries affected by crises and conflicts. 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.
Dr. Kanem and Vice President Shettima expressed their shared commitment to addressing these challenges and implementing effective strategies to improve women's health and well-being. Also at the meeting was National Population Commission members. NPC chairman Nasir Isa Kwarra attested to the strong colloboration between UNFPA and the commission. Dr Kanem advocated on the importance of accurate censuses to harness the demographic dividend and ensure inclusive development.
The regional launch of the State of World Population Report is scheduled to take place tomorrow in Abuja, Nigeria. The event will bring together key stakeholders, policymakers, and representatives from various sectors to discuss the report's findings.
