2006: Congressional Inaction
December 11, 2006
As the 109th Congress adjourns, its inability to pass appropriations bills ranks among the top failures that have rightly earned it the moniker the “do-nothing Congress.” Among the 9 of 11 mandatory spending bills that will not get final approval is foreign assistance, which includes funding for international family planning.
The Promise of Microbicides
December 4, 2006
The world took a giant step towards developing a viable, safe and effective microbicide against HIV with commitments from several governments to significant microbicide development. Canada pledged US$13.2 million, and the Netherlands committed to $15.7 million over four years, to the International Partnership for Microbicides. Belgium ($4 million) and Sweden ($2.17 million) also increased their support for microbicides research. PAI hails these commitments and urges other governments to follow suit in order to bring this innovative and life-saving technology to the women around the globe who desperately need it.
Uncharted Waters - The Impact of U.S. Policy in Vietnam
December 1, 2006
Vietnam-a vibrant country of 84 million people-is experiencing rapid economic growth and unprecedented societal change ushered in by globalization. This is posing interesting possibilities and challenges for U.S. assistance and policy. In June 2004, the Bush Administration named Vietnam the fifteenth “focus” country under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Vietnam is the sole PEPFAR focus country in Asia, with twelve in Africa and two in Latin America and the Caribbean. The HIV/AIDS epidemic here differs greatly from that of its African counterparts: HIV/AIDS prevalence is quite low and is concentrated among populations which engage in high risk behaviors.
Ending FGM: Encouraging Steps in Indonesia and Ethiopia
November 27, 2006
An estimated two million girls worldwide undergo the brutal procedure known as female genital mutilation (FGM) every year, leading to physiological, sexual and psychological effects including hemorrhage, shock, infection, sexual dysfunction and increased risk of contracting HIV. It's a tragic human rights violation, whose cultural and traditional roots run deep-making it difficult to combat. PAI has a long history of working towards the elimination of FGM-from generating awareness and action in the 80's to funding anti-FGM projects in Mali over the past five years-but more help is desperately needed. We urge governments and communities around the world to take steps to eradicate this harmful practice once and for all.
WHO’s New Head — Will She Lead the Way on Reproductive Health?
November 20, 2006
With the recent announcement of its new Director-General, the World Health Organization (WHO) ushers in a new era and, with it, an important opportunity to reposition family planning as a leading health intervention. Dr. Margaret Chan's acceptance speech on November 9th was encouraging in this regard: “Improvements in the health of the people of Africa and the health of women are key indicators of the performance of WHO”. PAI welcomes the emphasis on these indicators and urges an expanded focus on family planning and reproductive health programs as one of the most effective ways to improve the health of women and their families.
WHO Raises Alarm: Family Planning Must Be Prioritized
November 6, 2006
PAI's goal of achieving reproductive health equity for all women gained currency last week with the release of a report citing unprotected sex as the second leading cause of disability and death in the developing world, trailing malnutrition. The report, coordinated by the World Health Organization, found “declining financial support, increased political interference and an overall reluctance to tackle threats to sexual and reproductive health” and urged the global community to return family planning to the forefront of economic development issues.
Demographic Development - Reversing Course?
November 1, 2006
With the largest population in Africa, Nigeria's political and economic developments reverberate across the continent. Nigeria chairs the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and is the eighth largest oil exporting country in the world. More than 40 percent of the region's gross domestic product is accounted for by Nigeria's economy, and the petroleum industry is responsible for about two-thirds of national revenue and a great deal of international interest in the country. Yet the government maintains a delicate hold on democracy, and the country has recently experienced political instability. Throughout 2006, militant rebels angry about the distribution of
oil revenue have conducted a series of attacks against the industry, including kidnapping foreign workers, which resulted in the country's petroleum output dropping by 25 percent.
Family Planning for a Healthy Planet
November 1, 2006
This PSA in mp3 format features the celebrity voice of cowboy poet and author Baxter Black.
Family Planning for a Healthy Planet
November 1, 2006
This PSA features the celebrity voice of cowboy poet and author Baxter Black. From The Tonight Show and PBS to NPR, Baxter has entertained millions and now helps promote PAI's message about the importance of family planning and environmental conservation.
Jacqueline Morby Elected Board Chair of Population Action International
November 1, 2006
Jacqueline Morby, a private equity investor, has been elected Chairman of the Board of Population Action International (PAI).
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