The Deputy Minister of Health, Hon. Madina Rahman, will leave Freetown today for the United States to participate in a side meeting of the UN Populations Fund ( UNFPA ) at the United Nations in New York on the theme: “Partnerships for addressing maternal and child health, realizing the demographic dividend : African faith-based organizations in the lead”, together with heads of African faith-based organization.
According to the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, organized by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the meeting which starts on January 28, 2016 would provide opportunity for faith-based leaders to increase access to maternal and reproductive health services and investments in youth, as key pillars for achieving a demographic dividend.
The Ministry said that “The meeting will also provide an opportunity for shared understanding of the progress, challenges and opportunity in the area of maternal and reproductive health in the region, and to develop a common approach between religious leaders and UNFPA on how they collaboratively can contribute to harnessing the potential opportunities for sustainable development in the region. ”
The statement went on to say that “The consultation would create a forum for mobilizing and influencing communities and decision makers in ensuring delivery of health services and access to education. It would further look at the impact of the teachings, guidance and attitudes of religious leaders and other authorities in communities. The Panelists would also look at the global goals of empowering young people, to increase access to education and health as well as life skills livelihood employment opportunities.”
Madam Rahman is expected to join two other prominent panelists: His Excellency, Dr. Haliru Yahaya of Shonga, Nigeria and His Excellency, Thierno Hass Diallo, Minister of Religious Affairs and Cult of Mali , in a panel discussion , to be held at the ECOSOC Room , from 10 am to 1 pm.
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The United Nations Population Fund
Cordially invite you to participate in a side event in margin of its Executive Board
“Partnerships for addressing maternal and child health and realizing the demographic dividend: African faith-based organizations in the lead””
Side event on the occasion of the first session of UNFPA Executive Board
Thursday, January 28, 2016
10:00am to 01:00pm
ECOSOC Room- UN Secretariat
Panellists:
His Excellency, Dr. Haliru Yahaya, Emir of Shonga, Nigeria
His Excellency, Thierno Hass Diallo, Minister of Religious Affairs and Cult of Mali
Her Excellency, Ms. Madina Rahman, Vice Minister of Health of Sierra Leone
Moderators:
UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin
UNFPA Executive Board President H.E. Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Armenia to the United Nations
RSVP
Ms. Rose Sarr at nrsarr@unfpa.org or +1-212 297
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“Partnerships for addressing maternal and child health and realizing the demographic dividend: African faith-based organizations in the lead”
Thursday, January 28, 2016
10:00am to 01:00pm
ECOSOC Chamber
Tentative Agenda
Chair, President, Executive Board of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS
1. Opening remarks Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin
UNFPA Executive Director
2. Presentation on context and outcome of Dakar Event Mr. Mabingue Ngom
WCARO Regional Director
3. Panel Discussion
3.1 HRH Dr. Haliru Yahaya, Emir of Shonga, Nigeria : What should be the key role of religious leaders in ensuring access to SRH to young people in particular boys and girls?
3.2 HE Mr. Thierno Hass Diallo, Minister of Religious Affairs and Cult of Mali: Why do you think it is important to engage religious leaders in our efforts to harness the demographic dividend: can you please share the Mali experience?
3.3 Ms. Madina Rahman, Vice Minister of Health of Sierra Leone: You were present at the regional consultation with religious leaders held in Senegal last year during which a declaration and an action plan have been agreed upon. What kind of support is needed to move this action plan forward?
4. Interactive discussions
5. Summary of key conclusions Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin
UNFPA Executive Director
6. Chair’s concluding remarks
Run-of-show
TIME DETAILS
11:00 – 11:05 Chair will offer brief remarks, present the agenda and introduce UNFPA Executive Director for his introductory address
11:05 – 11:10 ED will welcome the Special Guests and outline the meeting objectives and expected outcomes
11:10 – 11:15 RD will share the rationale for this special event and will share highlights and outcome of the Dakar consultation
11:15 – 12:15 ED to introduce the panelists and ask questions (see agenda above for questions) and lead an interactive question and answer session with member states and board members
12:15 – 12:20 ED to summarize key conclusions from the discussion and give vote of thanks to participants
12:20 – 12:30 Concluding remarks by the Chair
