PPD :: Newsletter : Issue 26 - March

The Government of the Peoples Republic of China in collaboration with PPD organized an International Workshop for Senior Officials from PPD member states on Population and Climate Change in Taicang China from April 21-27 2010. Mr. Lu Liusheng, Deputy Party Secretary and Mayor of Taicang City inaugurated the workshop. Dr. Zhao Baige the Vice Minister of National Population and Family Planning Commission of China (NPFPC) and Mr. Hu Hongtao, Partner Country Coordinator of PPD and Deputy Director-General, Department of International Cooperation of NPFPC, Ms. Mariam Khan, Deputy Representative of United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in China and Mr. Harry S. Jooseery Executive Director of PPD were present on this occasion.

In the inauguration session of this workshop the Executive Director of PPD highlighted the challenging issues related to Population and Climate Change. He said, none of these challenges can be addressed in isolation as they are all ultimately connected by cause and effect. He commented “We need policies that are just and equitable and put people at the centre”. He emphasized on the three solutions to address global warming: Mitigation, Adaptation and Research Development and urged for a comprehensive set of solutions through South North South Cooperation on the understanding that we share common responsibility and fate across the globe.

Dr. Zhao Baige the Vice Minister of NPFPC of China emphasized on the South- South strategy as one of the most visible avenues to achieve ICPD and MDGs.

This international workshop has been organized in the context of a Memorandum of Understanding that the Government of China and Partners in Population and Development signed with the objective to strengthen capacity building in developing countries.

Dr. Zhao Baige the Vice Minister of NPFPC of China

Advanced Family Planning (AFP) Project Launched in Uganda and Indonesia

AFP is an evidence-based, advocacy effort designed to help the developing countries to achieve universal access to reproductive health. This collaborative effort aimed at scaling up the family planning and reproductive health global agenda in three years in three different countries: Uganda, Tanzania and Indonesia. In March and April 2010, AFP program was launched in Uganda and Indonesia by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Partners in Population and development with support from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. PPD is one of the Partners implementing the project.

In Uganda, the First Lady, H.E Janet Museveni, welcomed the Advance Family Planning (AFP) Project, which she said would help decrease maternal deaths in Uganda. She noted that family planning, which is not only about spacing children but also preparing for birth, is a big component in maternal health. Advance Family Planning (AFP) was launched in Uganda in March2010. Jotham Musinguzi, the Regional Director for Partners in Population and Development , Africa Regional Office (PPD ARO) attended this launching event and said “with the growing demand for family planning services, it is imperative to achieve greater political and financial commitment to support long-term availability of quality family planning services”.

Ugandan First Lady, H.E Janet Museveni with the AFP Project team: Professor Dr. Duff Gillespie, Dr. Jotham Musinguzi, the Regional Director Partners in Population and Development (PPD) Africa Regional Office at State House Entebbe

H.E Dr. Endang Rahayu Sedyaningsih, MPH, Minister of Health, Indonesia inaugurated the AFP program in Indonesia on April 2010. More than hundred participants from government, nongovernment, international organization, including eminent experts in Reproductive Health and journalists attended the project launching program.

H.E Dr. Endang Rahayu Sedyaningsih, MPH, Minister of Health, Indonesia inaugurated the AFP program in Indonesia

Dr. Nazrul Islam of PPD Secretariat attended this launching event. In the launching program the AFP Project Director Prof. Duff Gillespie avowed that universal access to family planning and reproductive health is essential for a better future and greater political commitment is the key. He added, “The project is designed to help Indonesia to become a champion in family planning and prioritize family planning by creating more resources for family planning.”

PPD Board Member appeal for greater investment on Family Planning to G8 leaders

On behalf of the men, women and families of 25 member states, PPD’s Governing Board advocated to the Group of Eight (G8) leader to
ensure that G8 initiatives reconsider Family Planning as driving force for protecting the lives and health of women, children and achieving sustainable development. In an official letter, PPD’s Secretary of Governing Board Dr. Boniface Omuga K’ Oyugi, MBS advocated for investing in family planning to accelerate the achievement of the ICPD and MDG goals. “Saving the lives of women and children in developing countries where needless death occur, depends on the G8 leader and PPD always stand ready to work with you toward this goal”, the Secretary mentioned in his letter to G8 leaders.		PPD’s Secretary of Governing Board Dr. Boniface Omuga K’ Oyugi, MBS

The G8 brings together the world’s major advanced economies—Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. They have a leading role in international affairs and in partnership with the global community to address critical global challenges in such areas as health, education and peace and security. Canada is on the 2010 G8 Presidency and will host this year’s G8 summit on June 25-26 in Canada’s Muskoka region.

Honorable Prime Minster of Canada and Prime Minister of United Kingdom acknowledged the plea of PPD and it is hoped that PPD advocacy together with thousands of voices from other quarters would influence world leaders in promoting investment in family planning.

Kazi Jalal: PPD employee of the year 2009

Mr. Kazi Jalal who is working as Driver in PPD for more than 11 year was named as Employee of the Year at a Staff Retreat in March 2010. He is the longest serving staff members of PPD.

Kazi Jalal wins the employee of the year 2009 award

Announcing the introduction of the award, Executive Director Harry Jooseery explained: "We felt that it is important to show that the individual efforts of staff are noticed and that what they can and does make a difference". The award to Mr. Jalal recognizes his outstanding contribution throughout his career in PPD. "Jalal has maintained an appreciative standard both as a driver and facilitator. Jalal's commendable standard has set an outstanding example to us all". When asked for this reaction to the award, in his usual unassuming manner he responded:"Speechless and honored!"

PPD staff applauded the initiatives and recognized Jalal as a loyal, experienced and reliable driver and a kind person.