United States Deputy Representative to ECOSOC John F. Sammis today said the demand for sexual and reproductive health services will continue to grow in 2012 as world population booms.
In his statement to ECOSOC UN, Population Fund Executive Board meeting first regular session, Mr. Sammis said 2011 was an important year.
“The world population reached seven billion, a major milestone and challenge for us as estimates indicate that 40 percent of countries are not on track to achieve the MDG 5 targets.” -Mr. Sammis
He stated that U.S. work to support the ICPD Program of Action becomes all the more important.
“We must continue with conviction our efforts to alleviate poverty, inequality, lack of education, and poor healthcare that affects billions in the developing world, including a growing population of youth.” -Mr. Sammis
The Obama Administration strongly supports UNFPA’s goals and programs, which provide life saving assistance to women, children, and families in over 150 countries.
He stated that achievement of the goals is critically important to the United States, especially those related to the promotion of sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights.
Mr. Sammis noted that the U.S. government recognizes the important leadership role that UNFPA has played on these issues over nearly four decades.
He said the United States welcomes the new Deputy Executive Director for Management, Anne-Birgitte Albrectsen, and look forward to the appointment of a new Deputy Executive Director for Programs.
He commended the UNFPA’s efforts to promote the health of women and children which are an essential aspect of multilateral response efforts.
“We encourage continued progress on coordinating efforts with UNHCR as well as strengthening the Fund’s role as co-lead with UNICEF on the gender based violence sub-cluster within the protection cluster group.” -Mr. Sammis
He encouraged UNFPA to continue to fully engage in preparations for the upcoming UN Conference on Sustainable Development, Rio+20. He added that social issues, such as population and health services, including reproductive health care and family planning, are important components of sustainable development.
Mr. Sammis expressed his appreciation for Dr. Osotimehin’s leadership in advancing UNFPA’s goals and objectives.
He stressed that the U.S. government stands in solidarity with UNFPA’s mission, efforts, and dedication.
Of the world’s 7 billion, 1.8 billion are young people between the ages of 10 and 24.
The world’s population reached 6 billion in 1998, only 13 years ago, and it is expected to grow to 9 billion by the middle of this century, or even a few years earlier – by 2043.
