UNFPA says it will further strengthen support to Ethiopia’s dev’t endeavors

Addis Ababa, March 30, 2011 (Addis Ababa, ENA) - The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) said it will further strengthen support to ongoing development activities in Ethiopia.

UNFPA Executive Director, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin told journalists here on Tuesday that UNFPA will assist Ethiopia in particular in mothers’ health care, reproductive health and prevention of HIV/AIDS.

Dr. Osotimehin said that he observed that Ethiopia has been undertaking encouraging activities making use of a health extension program it has put in place.

He said Ethiopia has assigned more than 34,000 health extension workers to rural localities, where most of the population live, with a view to increasing accessibility of health service.

Dr. Osotimehin called on African countries to give attention to reproductive health service to youth as most of Africa’s population are youth.

The director also stressed the need to create capacity enabling the youth to discharge their responsibility to ensure sustainable development in Africa.

Dr. Osotimehin took part in the 4th Joint AU/ECA Conference of Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development .

During his three-day stay here he discussed with higher level government officials including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Hailemariam Desalegn .