Welcome to AFPPD Newsletter

The conference received the address from the Prime Minister H.E. Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi which was presented by the Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office Hon. Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Bin Tan Sri Abdul Aziz, MP. Other dignitaries who addressed the conference were H.E. Abdul Hamid Bin Pawanthe, Hon. President of Malaysian Senate, Dr. Taro Nakayama, President of IMPO, Prof. Dr. Prasop Ratanakorn, Honorable Secretary General of IMPO, and Dr. Malinee Sukavejworakit, Secretary General of AFPPD, amongst others.

Medical parliamentarians and experts from WHO, UNICEF, JOICFP, and IPPF gathered to discuss issues ranging from Millennium Development Goals, Health, Development Policy, Reproductive Health, Adolescent Reproductive Health and Development, HIV/AIDS and Maternal/Child Health, and Gender as well as panel discussions on ground realties of poverty and health & the role of parliamentarians.

IMPO 2004:MDG’s Poverty & Health

Knowledge & Experiences of Issue Critical for Parliamentarians

Address by Honorable Prime Minister, H.E. Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
(presented by H.E. Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri bin, Minister of the Prime Ministers Office)

H.E. Dato Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Prime Minister of Malaysia, graciously addressed the august audience of IMPO by sharing his thoughts on the important issues of health and poverty in Malaysia. He mentioned that Malaysia has actively pursued an unwavering cause to reduce poverty, with much work done on improving the poor’s access to healthcare, education and basic amenities. He talked of Malaysia’s commitments to these objectives and his government’s continued efforts to dedicate resources toward not only reducing, but eradicating the incidence of poverty altogether.

Dr. Badawi placed priority in addressing the contributing factors to poverty, which besides economic constraints, also includes the humanitarian considerations. He mentioned that its unacceptable that people suffer ill health just because they cannot afford health care or because they live in poor conditions. As a policy maker, he expressed the need to continuously review policies relating to healthcare access, types of healthcare provision, and the quality of provision. These policies, Dr. Badawi said, need to go hand in hand with broader policy areas such as public sanitation, education and social values, which all influence the level of diseases. He emphasized the need to continuously review the content and implementation of these policies and to check their effectiveness in reducing the incidence of ill health and poverty.

Dr. Badawi expressed the need to match the knowledge of elected representatives and their policies to match with the knowledge and experiences of grassroots level for success of programs in specific areas. According to Dr. Badawi, the knowledge of health indicators and its contributing factors within a particular geographical area is absolutely critical in determining whether policies and programs achieve their objectives. This information must not only be known but it must also be used to influence policy debates within parliament.

Parliamentarians Report Card advocated

Dr. Badawi talked about his government’s initiative to ensure that all Malaysian members of parliaments keep a report card so that they are reminded to carry out their duties as per the wishes of their constituents. Health and Well-being iindicators make an important part of this reportcard, which can help parliamentarians reflect on the gaps that need to be filled to achieve Health and Poverty MDGs, including healthcare, public amenities education and others. Dr. Badawi congratulated AFPPD for organizing this very important conference and wished it a success.

Dr. Taro Nakayama, MP Japan and President, IMPO, expressed his satisfaction on the IMPO Medical Parliamentarians Conference and of the medical parliamentarians involvement in Population, Reproductive Health, HIV/AIDS related issues and hoped that they make a difference in health related policies in their own countries.

He said that medical parliamentarians should monitor the implementation of health related programs. Dr. Nakayama encouraged parliamentarians to continue their efforts to achieving the MDGs stating that thier professional expertise as medical practioners together with the political responsibility as parliamentarians gives them the opportunity to monitor health related programmes.

Prof. Dr. Prasop Ratanakorn, Honorable Secretary General, IMPO gave a brief progress report of IMPO and AFPPD activities and thanked UNFPA and Government of Japan for their support. His dedication towards IMPO and involvement as a medical professional for the cause of development has a long known history. He shared with the audience his past experiences, and pledged to continue to work for better livelihoods of his fellow people.

Dr. Prasop encourged the audience to do their part, saying that small efforts made together makes big differences. He asked parliamentarians to work for R.H. HIV/AIDS Programme.

H.E. Dr. Abdul Hamid Bin Pawanthe, President of Malaysian Senate, who was the host of the conference welcomed the Medical Parliamentarians and said that medical parliamentarians have special role in shaping the health policies in their countries and they must fulfill their roles. Dr. Pawanthe, encourged the parliamentarians to use this conference as a platform to exhchange ideas, learn from each other, and take back home the determination to work towards MDGs.
He also felt that medical parliamentarians, along with their political role should keep themselves updated on latest medical development for the benefit of people. They should use their knowledge and professional expertise for legislation and programs which help people out of poverty and for good health.

Socio Economic Transitions a Burden of Disease- Dr. Sergio Spinaci, WHO

Dr. Sergio Spinaci, Executive Secretary, Coordination Unit of Macroeconomics and Health Support, WHO Geneva spoke on the MDGs and their relation to health and development policies. Dr. Spinaci talked on the progress made to date towards reaching the MDGs by various regions and countries. Economic and Social circumstances and transitions was discussed as an underlying cause for the burden of disease. The session was chaired by Dr. Myong Ock Anh, MP Korea.

While the burden of disease changes with economic and demographic transitions, the determinants of ill health are broad. To this extent, Dr. Sergio vouched for the inclusion of prevention of major risk factors and non-communicable diseases in health strategies.

The challenges to reaching the MDGs and scaling-up essential good health services include financial constraints, health system constraints, and political constraints. Dr. Spinaci urged parliamentarians to work on these challenges and called on them to advocate MDGs as an opportunity to call for equitable access to effective health interventions for constituents. He called on them to also support mobilization of resources for health by debating the need, discussing the budgeting process, and advocating alternative options for financing. Revision and monitoring of existing health policies by including local capacity to plan and build a strong decentralized health system and influencing legislation and support for pro-poor health policies was among his recommendations to help meet the MDGs.

Dr. Spinaci also encouraged the parliamentarians to forge partnerships between government and civil societies for better health. Parliamentarians raised the issue of reproductive health and population issues not being part of MDG’s. It was pointed out that without population issue being part of the MDG’s, the goals cannot be achieved.

Functioning Health Systems Key to MDGs-Dr. Jelka Zupan, WHO

There are two broad factors required to make a difference in alleviating the status of these health related MDGs, according to Dr. Julka. Firstly, proper function of the health system by putting laws, policies, and regulations in place.

This may be through evidence-based practices and by also developing the human resources for the health system. Secondly, empowerment of women, families, and communities is also seen as crucial.

Dr. Zupan gave the participants a brief on WHO and its roles in the fields of reproductive heath, which include the WHO Reproductive Health Strategy (WHA 2004). Other areas of WHO involvement are in advocacy, normative functions, research, and technical cooperation. Dr. Zupan’s session was chaired by Dr. Mariani Akib Baramuli, MP Indonesia.

4-Pronged Approach to Combat HIV/AIDS-Dr. Arjan de Wagt, UNICEF

Drawing from numerous country experiences, Mr. Arjan de Wagt, regional project Officer, HIV/AIDS UNICEF Bangkok talked about the status of HIV AIDS in the region. Dr. Millicent Manana, MP South Africa chaired this session. Dr. Wagt suggested a four-pronged approach in combating HIV/AIDS:

1. Primary HIV Prevention in parents to be, 2. Prevent unintended pregnancies, 3. Prevention of mother to Child Transmission, 4. Care and Support.

For the first two prongs, some suggested activities include primary prevention targeting young women, post test counseling of HIV negative pregnant women, counseling and support on reproductive health to HIV infected women, increased access to and promotion of voluntary and confidential counseling and HIV testing services, and finally targeting partners: primary prevention, counseling/testing.

Mr. Wagt suggested that prong three, prevention of perinatal HIV Transmission should be the priority area, for which actions that may be taken include VCCT during pregnancy, ensuring that HIV positive women have access to antenatal care system and PMTCT services, provision of antiretroviral drugs to HIV-infected pregnant women and their newborns with counselling and support for drug adherence, safer delivery practice and Counselling and support for safer infant feeding practice.

Similarly for prong 4: Mr. Wagts suggested four broad areas of support to be given to adults, children, and families affected by HIV. Medical and Nursing Care including VCT, Prevention Therapy, OI Rx, HAART, and Palliative Care. Provision of psychological support may include counseling, spiritual support, follow-up counseling, and community support. Human Rights and Legal Support is the third broad area of support for PLHA participation and Stigma and Discrimination reduction. Finally Socio Economic Support including material support, micro credit support, and food support is seen as essential for the poor and underprovided infected people.

Listen to Young people to Know their Needs--Dr. Sumie Ishii, JOICFP

Drawing from ground experiences and the voices of the young people, the major Sexual and Reproductive Health concerns faced by today’s adolescents include teenage pregnancy, unsafe abortion, HIV/AIDS. Other important issues include unmet needs for information and services for sexual and reproductive health, gender based violence, early marriage, substance abuse, trafficking, and sexual exploitation. Insufficiencies in specific national policies, national programs including sex education and youth friendly services, skilled teachers and service providers who can deal with ASRH, lack of understanding on and support for ASRH from community, workplace, and family are all limiting factors to alleviating the aforementioned concerns of ASRH, according to Dr. Ishii.

Dr. Ishii, gave a brief account on some of the projects which JOICFP is actively involved in. “Strategies for RH of Adolescent and Youth” and “Strengthening Advocacy for Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive health Programme through Youth Initiative” ware two such examples where the youth are actively involved in creating an enabling and supportive environment, and provision of youth friendly services.

Dr. Ishii pleaded the parliamentarians—who are key stake holders as decision makers and policy makers—to actively pursue partnership with the youth, who at the community level can play the roles of information communicators, educators, service providers, managers, implementers, and advocates.

This partnership can bridge the gap and make the realization of meeting MDGs and ARSH goals more of a reality. She urged parliamentarians to make opportunities to meet with and listen to young people to know their SRH needs, as well as to advocate together with young people towards developing ASRH policies and programs. This session was chaired by Dr. Syed Javaid Hussain, MP Pakistan.

5-As for Achieving MDGs--Dr. Raj Karim, IPPF ESEAOR

1. Access: Providing good quality RH services, contraceptives, commodities, and information to reach the underserved, marginalized and vulnerable population
groups, which include specifically youth and women, cross border populations, ethnic minorities,and remote populations.
2. Abortion: prevention of unsafe abortion, policy and legal frameworks for providing safe abortion when legal in country, management of post abortion complications, and post abortion care and counseling.3. Adolescents and Young people: Peer education and support, youth friendly centers, youth participation and governance, 4. AIDS: Emphasis on prevention especially amongst young people, women, and the marginalized, working with vulnerable groups sex workers, transgender, cross border populations, specific occupational groups, reduction of stigma and discrimination, and integrating HIV VCT in RH setting.5. Advocacy: To work closely with parliamentarians, policy makers, governments, donors for support, resources, and capacity building.

She concluded her session urging the participants to keep RH including FP high on national & international agendas of governments, international agencies & donors to generate interest & resources; to mainstream RH as integral component of poverty reduction initiatives, rights based approaches, sector wide approaches & other socioeconomic plans; and to strengthen monitoring & evaluation mechanisms and structures & relate our work to MDG’s.

Ground Realities on Poverty and Health: Parliamentarians’ Views

The first panel discussion moderated by Dr. Malinee Sukavejworakit, MP Thailand and Secretary General AFPPD, featured Indian, Malaysia, and Chinese MPs, sharing information about ground realities of health and poverty in their countries.

“Role of Religion in Poverty”-- Dr. Vallabhbhai Kathiria

Dr. Vallabhbhai Kathiria, MP India stressed on the importance of social, civil, and religious institutions as being key to alleviating the health and poverty scene of India. He cited the many programmes being run by such institutions and encouraged politicians and elected representatives to do their part in working together as partners with these local institutions. This would strengthen and encourage local capacity. He also pledged his determination and efforts to tackle the vicious cycle of poverty while requesting his fellow MPs to do the same.

“Contant Monitoring Helps!”--Dr. Junaidy Abdul Wahab

Dr. Junaidy Abdul Wahab of Malaysia, talked of the success of Malaysia’s poverty eradication programs, stating that long term poverty eradication policies initiated by the past and present governments of Malaysia have greatly helped to reduce the poverty levels of Malaysia by providing socio-economic avenues. The run off effects have seen better income distribution, higher levels of education, better use of health care facilities, fertility rates, and access to utilities and public services. He also credited Malaysia’s constant monitoring incidence of poverty and state of vulnerability as an important factor to tackle arising poverty and health issues.

“Increase input in China”-- Dr. (Mme.)Fang Xin

Dr. (Ms.) Fang Xin, MP China, briefed the audience on Chinas commitment to achieving the MDGs by adhering to the human-oriented, comprehensive, coordinated, and sustainable development approach, and by being fully engaged in the national economic and social development plan. She talked of the Chinese governments increase input for poverty alleviation, and the people’s and enterprises role in social undertakings and support of pro poor and rural areas through projects such as “Happiness Project” “Hope Project” “Spring Bud Project”. She also credited China for making progress in maternal and child health care and reducing death rate of maternity and children.

She concluded her discussion by expressing the willingness of China to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with parliamentarians from all countries and actively explore working experiences that comply with the national conditions and make progress to economic and health.

What Parliamentarians Can Do?

The second discussion featured Fiji, Philipines, Malaysia, Iran, and Vietnam talking about what their roles as medical parliamenta- rians are and the contributions they can make for the cause of reaching MDGs. This discussion was moderated by Sen. Dr. Beksultan Tutkushev.

Right Balance Advocated--Dr. Gunasagarn Gounder

Dr. Gunasagaran Gounder, MP Fiji spoke on what the constraints of Medical Parliamentarians as professionals on the one hand, and politicians on the other. He urged the parliamentarians to find the right balance so that as politicians they can wield their power for appropriate decision-making and policy making. He also urged fellow parliamentarians to make the best use of their scientific expertise in the medical field to contribute to knowledge for development.

Translate Legislations to Actions--Dr. Nouradin Pirmoazen

Dr. Nouradin Pirmoazen, MP of Iran, agreeing with Dr. Gounder, also appealed parliamentarians to make sure that policies, legislations, and decisions made by them in their capacity are translated into actions that reap results. He emphasized the importance of elected representatives to get involved in the implementation and monitoring stages of development planning.

Adapt and Advocate--Dr. Janette L. Garin

Filipino MP Dr. Janette L. Garin presented a very informative presentation of the Philippine Legislative Committee for Population and Development, and the activities that Filipino MPs are involved in for achieving the MDGs in their countries.

Panel Discussions

A special VDO presentation and paper “Legislative Agenda in Pursuit for the MDGs” was also shared discussing various legislation proposed by the Filipino MPs to achieve the targets of MDGs in their country. She talked about the importance in adapting to local socio-religious-cultural situations while effectively advocating for population and development.

“Give Access to Health Care to the Poor”-
Dr. Rahman Ismail

In his passionate speech, Dr. Rahman Ismail, MP Malaysia, warned about the quality of medicine and the restrictions placed by intellectual property rights. He said the poor are deprived of the medicine because they are unaffordable to them. He especially advocated for giving special emphasis on the health of children and young people.

“Capacity Building Essential”- Dr. Tran Dong A

Prof. Dr. Tran Dong A, MP Vietnam, spoke of his commitments and that of his fellow MPs to work to help achieve the MDGs in his country. The commitments focused in the field of HIV AIDS prevention, care, and treatment as well as gender empowerment and poverty alleviation, involves efforts for better legislation and involvement in activities whcih build local capacity for sustainable livelihoods. He also said that there is need to involve elected representative at the grass root level. They are important for the success of any programme.

Closing Ceremony

The conference received closing address from Dato H.E. Abdul Hamid Bin Pawanthe, Hon. President of Malaysian Senate who asked participants to follow up on the committment made here . He also said that we should follow the advise of the Hon. Prime Minister of Malaysia and prepare a report card of our activities and its impact. Dr. Malinee Sukavejworakit, Secretary General of AFPPD expressed her grateful thanks to the Senate of Malaysia H.E. Hon Chua Soi Lek, Health Minister, later hosted a farewell high tea.

Personal Commitments

“I will mobilize actions by government both at the national and local level to help the poor in getting better medical attention.. and lobby for good legislations, plans, and increased budget activities…giving first priority to women and children.” Dr. R. Chandra Shekhar Reddy, MP India
***
“I will work for allocating budget/funding for the healthcare sector, especially for elder care…”
Dr. Ulrik Lingren, MP Sweden
***
“We will keep reminding the policy makers on setting our goals for 2015 and put action plans to reduce poverty by focusing on ground realities.”
Fiji Parliamentarians
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“I will mobilize my colleagues to continue advocacy to reduce he current prevalence rate (of HIV/AIDS) to come down significantly.”
Dr. Hezron Manduku, MP Kenya
***
“We will (provide opportunities to) medical staff for training on HIV-AIDS specialty, and set up projects for fund raising to fight against HIV-AIDS.”
Lao Parliamentarian Delegation
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“I will lobby parliament for more funds for health facilities in rural areas and for research..”
Dr. Tan Kee Kwong, MP Malaysia
***
“I will take a greater role to increase budget allocation for health systems.”
Dr. A. Mohseni Bandpi, Iran, MP
***
“The biggest challenge for me is to help thoe who live by less than a dollar a day and those who do not have access to safe drinking water and sanitation, therefore I am going to make a request to donor agencies who can provide them at least these basic needs.”
Ms. Chitralekha yadav, Deputy Speaker, Nepal
***
“We will work for gender equality, poverty reduction under the One Tambon One product Scheme and SME Banking, We will work for Sex Education in secondary school, anti smoking campaign amongst the youth.”
Thai Parliamentarians

Reproductive Health & Population should be in Millenium Development Goals

Members of Parliaments attending the IMPO Conference adopted a set of commitments after very passionate and comprehensive discussions on issues relating to MDGs and the role of medical parliamentarians.

The Kuala Lumpur statement reads:

“We the medical parliamentarians from thirty countries meeting under the auspices of the International Medical Parliamentarians Organization (IMPO) and the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 13-14 December 2004.”

Dedicate ourselves to the earliest possible implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on alleviation of poverty and hunger adopted by the United Nations in 2000, in particular those relating to reduction of child mortality, reduction of maternal mortality, prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, malaria, infectious and non communicable diseases, and provision of clean water, nutirious food and sanitation,

Urge UN Member states to include reproductive health as 9th MDG because it is vitally important in achieving all other MDGs,

Rededicate ourselves to the earliest possible implementation of the goals and objectives of the 1994 International Conference on Population & Development (ICPD), in particular those relating to provision of family planning and other reproductive health services to all those couples and individuals who need them, special attention to be given to young people and their sexual and reproductive health needs,

Pledge to work for gender equality, equity and empowerment and for the total elimination of all forms of violence against women,

Recognise the need for developed countries to work with developing countries to devise and implement strategies to increase the human resource capacity of health care systems.

Pledge to use our status as scientifically-trained professionals to promote evidence-based interventions to reduce poverty and improve health.

Decide to keep issues of mental health, drug abuse, women’s health and aging on its agenda for action,

Decide to promote and strengthen close collaboration with AFPPD and IMPO, other regional parliamentary groups and their national committees,

Also decide to work closely with UNFPA, IPPF, WHO, the World Bank and other international organizations interested in the same work as IMPO and AFPPD.

Pledge to use our status as health care professionals with a high level of public trust to tackle stigma associated with disease, especially sexually transmitted diseases, and to provide guidance and leadership to other policy-makers in the field of health care and social policy.

Mallaca Chief Minister Ali Rustam at IMPO

IMPO 2004 was also transformed to be a platform for parliamentarians from across the globe to meet, socialize, and exchange views. This was made possible by the various social events which were hosted by dignitaries of Malaysia. The Welcome Reception was hosted by H.E Mohd. Ali Rustam, Chief Minister of Mellaca. Similarly, Hon. Abdul Hamid Pawanthe, President of the Malaysian Senate hosted a dinner reception. Dr. Ichiro Kamoshita, MP Japan addressed the gathering expressing his happiness in seeing a collaborative effort made by Medical MPs for the cause of MDGs, and pledging a close working partnership with them. Dr. kamoshita felt that medical aprliamentarians can contribute positively inb the development of useful health policies. he also advocated close monitoring.

Japanese Parliamentarians Group Celebrate 30 Years of Dedicated Work

Dr. Taro Nakayama Appeals for Renewed Efforts to Mobilise Resources

The Japan Parliamentarians Federation for Population (JPFP) was established in 1974 as the first non-partisan parliamentarian organization in the world on population and development issues. That year was an epoch-making year for world population issues. The Japan Population Conference was held in Tokyo and the United Nations World Population Conference was held in Bucharest, Rumania. The latter conference was, in fact, the first conference bringing together government representatives on population issues.

The JPFP was established by former Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi in response to the urging of U.S. General William Draper. A fact-finding mission to observe population conditions in Asia in 1973 was a major influence in the establishment of the federation. Headed by former Prime Minister Kishi, participants of the mission observed children who were born and were destined to die in the streets of Calcutta in India. It was at this time that the members of the delegation felt a keen awareness that it was the responsibility of the members of the Diet to change situations like this.

Population Problems linked with Humanism

From its inception, the JPFP has affirmed that there would be no peace in the world until a solution to population problems was found and that solving population problems was not simply solving a number of population problems, but that population problems were strongly linked with human rights and humanism, and that it was necessary to improve the level of happiness of individual families. Furthermore, the federation has maintained the view that to succeed in tackling these problems, we must think of social development and economic development as being inextricably linked.

In fact, in 1984 at the International Conference of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (ICPPD), held alongside the International Population Conference hosted by the United Nations in Mexico City, there was agreement on the principle that the world’s population problems should be dealt with in a context of sustainable development. As all of you are aware, this principle was also reflected in the 1994 Cairo conference where the formal name given to the conference was the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). Furthermore, the fact that the conference adopted an approach to solving population problems by focusing on improving the reproductive health and the state of human rights of each and every individual shows, I believe, the breadth of the influence the foresight and activities of the JPFP have had on the world.

A Sense of Mission

Population problems are said to be problems which cannot result in money or votes. Why is it, then, that politicians like ourselves must make a commitment to population problems? It can be said that we politicians do so out of a sense of mission as politicians. It is solely because our ideals as politicians cannot allow a situation where children are born by the side of the road only to die of starvation there. Furthermore, as representatives elected by the people, politicians have a role from an independent position as Diet members of the legislative in linking government with the needs of the people.

Following former Prime Minister Kishi, former Prime Minister Takeo Fukuda and after him former Foreign Minister Shintaro Abe assumed the role of Chairman of JPFP, and I am the fourth to hold this position. As a result of the activitiesof the JPFP, the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD) has come into being, promoting activities on population and development on the part of parliamentarians in the Asian region. Furthermore, thanks to the enthusiastic activities of the AFPPD, parliamentarian forums on population and development have been established in Africa, Europe and Arab regions. This means that parliamentarians in every region of the world are involved in population and development activities. In addition, many domestic committees have been established in countries around the world and are actively engaging in a range of activities. All of these can be traced back to the activities of the JPFP. Although this fact is not widely known, we are very proud of the contribution that Japan has made in this regard and believe that Japan should have a sense of pride in this achievement.

Of all the peaceful contributions Japan should make, there are no activities of greater importance or that could make a greater contribution to the future of humanity. I would like to take advantage of this opportunity to encourage even greater fervor in the activities of the Japan Parliamentarians Federation for Population in promoting activities that will enable our children to have a future that is filled with happiness and possibilities.

JPFP 30th Anniversary

UNFPA Shares Special Relationship with JPFP Dr. Thoraya Obaid, Executive Director, UNFPA

Dr. Thoraya Obaid, Executive Director, UNFPA attended the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Japanese Parliamentarians

Dr. Thoraya Obaid, Executive Director, UNFPA attended the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Japanese Parliamentarians Federation on Population during the first week of December.

Dr. Obaid expressed her appreciation on the special partnership shared by UNFPA and JPFP, thanking all concerned for the efforts put for the cause of population and development in Japan and the rest of the world.

JPFP Frontrunner

She commented on how JPFP has been a frontrunner, paving the way for parliamentary organizations in other regions to bring greater understanding and commitment o population and development issues. These issues, according to Dr. Obaid, are at the very center of development because they focus on people. In the field of population, these include progress made in birth and deathrates, the quality of life, and level of respect for human rights; in terms of migration and urbanization, and managing the many challenged that humanity faces today in sharing this common globe.

Dr. Obaid gave particular emphasis on the status of women, stating that today women in the developing world are better able to make their own decisions on family size and are having an average of 3 children compared to 6 in 1960. She lauded the efforts taken by parliamentarians and parliamentary organizations for promoting greater awareness and understating of the connections between population, development, and human security. She encouraged them to recognize, understand, and effectively respond to the forces and trends that are shaping the word during this time of rapid change.

Cairo Agenda comes to Life

Dr. Obaid took this opportunity to reflect on the progress of ICPD, ten years after Cairo. She said that she was pleased to report that there have been progress made since 1994. The vast majority of countries have taken steps to bring the Cairo agenda to life. Laws have been changed and policies have been adopted to end discrimination and violence against women and girls. Nations are collecting and analyzing population data so they can make informed and responsible decisions and budget allocation in the social sector; and there is increased access to reproductive health services—for family planning, for care during pregnancy and birth and for the prevention,treatment and care of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS.

Still a Long Way Ahead

She further said that while progress has been made, there is still a long way to go. Today in many countries, especially in Africa, family planning programmes are suffering. There is a sever shortage of contraceptives and also condoms to prevent HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted illnesses. Poor maternal health, Complications during pregnancy and childbirth remain the leading cause of death for women. The lack of sexual and reproductive health information and services is a leading cause of continues spread of HIV/AIDS. HIV/AIDS today continues to take a deadly toll, and the collective efforts have not been able to keep pace with the spread of the new infections. She urged the audience for a collaborative effort to champion human rights and human security to make the world more peaceful, more equitable, and more stable.

Dr. Steven Sinding, Director General, IPPF speaks on US Presidential Election & America’s Role in Population & RH

“It is a great honour and privilege for me to be with you on this important and happy occasion, celebrating 30 years of the Japan Parliamentarians Federation for Population (JPFP). JPFP has been a key institution in building and sustaining Japan’s commitment and leadership in the field of population, family planning, and reproductive health and rights. I would like to add my personal congratulations to Dr Nakayama and all the parliamentarians who have meant so much both to our movement and to the continuing presence of IPPF as the leading non-governmental organisation in our field.

I have been asked to speak about the recent re-election of President George W Bush and its implications for the sexual and reproductive health and rights movement.

Let me begin by saying that I am not an impartial observer. I worked hard and contributed personally to Senator John Kerry’s campaign and against the re-election of President Bush. I did so because I believe that President Bush, in addition to his many other controversial actions, has done grave harm to the cause of reproductive health and rights around the world. I include in this characterisation, his decision to re-impose the Mexico City Policy, now frequently called the Global Gag Rule, which resulted in the withdrawal of all US government support for IPPF and its 149 member associations around the world.

Many of you in this room will recall that the Mexico City Policy was first imposed by President Reagan and sustained by President Bush’s father through 12 years of Republican occupancy of the White House in the 1980’s and early 1990’s. That policy was reversed by President Clinton for eight years but re-imposed by President Bush in 2001. It prohibits non-governmental organisations outside the United States from any involvement with abortion, even with their own funds. It imposes restrictions on organisations outside the United States that cannot be imposed on similar organisations in the United States because of constitutional protections afforded by the Supreme Court decision in Roe vs Wade.

Ultra Conservatives support Bush

President Bush owes his re-election in large part to evangelical Christians who turned out in record numbers to support Mr Bush and the Republican Party. Bush’s principal political advisor, Karl Rove, determined some months before the election that mobilising four million evangelical Christians who stayed away from the polls in 2000 would provide the margin of victory if they could be persuaded to vote in 2004. He was right.

Because the support for President Bush’s re-election came from the ultraconservative Evangelical Right in such significant numbers, I believe that President Bush must feel that he has a substantial debt to repay to that constituency. An important part of the debt will be demonstrating his solidarity with their opposition to much that is contained in the Programme of Action of the Cairo International Conference on Population and Development. The Evangelical Right in the United States opposes not only abortion but also most forms of contraception, condoms for young people, all forms of homosexuality, women’s empowerment and gender equality, and sex outside of marriage. This group is determined to impose its particular version of morality on both US domestic and foreign policy.

Some have speculated that President Bush, mindful of his presidential legacy and his place in history, may become a more moderate, more “compassionate” President in a second term. I believe that just the opposite is likely to be the case. So deep is President Bush’s obligation to his Christian Evangelical base that I believe his government will only intensify the projection of Evangelical morality onto foreign policy in the second term.

For institutions like UNFPA and IPPF represented here this evening, this is very bad news, indeed. I think there is no prospect that the US government will restore funding to either one of our organisations. This is particularly true because President Bush strengthened his majorities in both houses of Congress in the November elections.

Not only do I anticipate no relief from the funding ban, I fully expect that the family planning and reproductive health programmes of USAID, far and away the largest single source of bilateral funding for our field, will come under strong attack both within the administration and in Congress. There is a very real prospect, in my view, that the United States, long the leader in funding population, family planning and reproductive health programmes, will retreat from this role. This does not apply to the President’s commitment to ago in isolated among nations in its opposition to certain elements of the Cairo Programme of Action.

US may Resume Attack on Sexual and Reproductive Health

Furthermore, I think it is highly likely that the United States will resume its attack on sexual and reproductive health and rights in all international forums where the Cairo agenda is discussed and debated. The kind of attack we saw two years ago in Bangkok is likely to be renewed at every opportunity, including next year’s review of the Millennium Development Goals, scheduled for September.

US Isolated

It is very clear from the various meetings and reviews that have occurred during this 10th Anniversary year of the Cairo Conference that the United States is almost completely isolated among nations in its opposition to certain elements of the Cairo Programme of Action.

Japan shown Courage and Leadership

I hope that this will continue to be the case and even good friends of the United States, such as Japan, will use every opportunity to urge my country to join the international consensus in support of Cairo. Because Japan along with the UK, has been such a close and loyal ally of the US, your words and deeds carry special weight in discussions with your US counterparts. I do hope that Japan will continue to show the courage and leadership you have demonstrated for so many years in support of reproductive health and rights around the world.

In closing, on behalf of IPPF I would like to express our profound gratitude to the people and Government of Japan for the confidence and support you have shown toward us over these many years, and to pledge to you our continued commitment to fight for the right for all women and men to determine freely and responsibly the number and spacing of their children and to be free from sexually transmitted diseases and infections.

IUCN Congress

The International Union for Conservation of nature met in Bangkok in from 17 to 25 November 2004. Several members of parliaments from various regions also attended. Globe International also organized their general assembly during the congress. AFPPD officials met with Globe Officials including Globe Japan staff to discuss cooperation specifically in AFPPD Population and environment related programs.

IPPF Training on Resource Mobilization

The IPPF South East Asian Regional Office based in Kuala Lumpur organized a regional Training Course for the High level Officers of Family Planning Associations in Hanoi, Vietnam in the first week of December 200.

AFPPD Executive Director, Shiv Khare spoke on the role of parliamentarians in resource mobilization. The workshop was able to provide insight in resource needs and how to approach for mobilizing resources needed for family planning. The training workshop was conducted by Mr. Gopa Nair and Ms. Shamima of IPPF, KL.

Mongolian Parliamentarians Committee Reorganized

The recent parliamentarians elections in Mongolia has seen several population and reproductive health activists winning the elections.

Mrs. S. Oyun has now become Deputy Speaker of the Parliament. The Parliamentary Group on Population and Development met with the purpose to reform the composition of parliament committee on population and development and appoint directors of the PCPD; to reorganize the Advisory Group and appoint National Project Director; and to organize AFPPD supported workshop soon.

The new composition of parliamentarian Committee on Population and decvelopment (PCPD) consists of:

1. S. Oyun, Deputy Speaker, 2. S. Lambaa, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Social Policy, 3. T. Gandi, Minister of Health, 4. D. Tuya, MP, 5. Ts. Bayarsaikhan, MP, 6. Ts. Sukhbaatar, MP, 7. B. Munkhtuya, MP, 8. L. Odonchimed, MP

S. Lambaa, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Social Policy was appointed as National Project Director and Head of The Advisory Group Meeting (AGM). The AGM will consist of members of PCPD including D. Munkhuu, Manager and Senior Advisor on Advocacy, Gender and Human Rights, UNFPA /PSU and S. Navchaa, Programme Officer of UNFPA.

Indonesian Parliamentarians Visit HIV/AIDS Programme in Bangkok

Ten Indonesian parliamentarians, state legislators, journalists, and religious leaders made a visit to Bangkok to study from 29 November to 3 rd December, 2004 about HIV & AIDS situation, prevention strategies, and to learn from Thailand’s experiences. The delegation included Mr. Karna Tisnawati, Dr. Ibnu Hajar Dewantara, Ms. Teti Kadi Bisono, Mr. John Umbu Deta, Mr. Hierony Bulang, Ms. Dra Hj. R. Ella M. Giri Komala, Mr. Ir. Muhtar Ibnu Thalab, Mr. Yohanes Antonius Riberu, Ms. Mella Dani Sari, Mr. Bambang Samekto.The study visit sponsored by UNFPA, Indonesia and organized by AFPPD included briefings by Mr, Chaiyos Kunanusont, UNFPA/CST, Mr. David Bridger and Mr. Swarup Sarkar, UNAIDS, Mr. Mohammed Ali Bhuiyan, APLF South Asia, UNAIDS, Dr. Praween Payapvipapong, Popultion & Community Development, Ms. Chantawipa Apisuk, EMPOWER, Mr. Chalermpol Polmuk, Dramraksaniwesana Project, Mr. Greg Gray, Network of HIV & AIDS, Mr. Siroat Jitijang, Asia pacific Network of HIV & AIDS, Ms. Kanitha Tantaphan, Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Somsit Tansuphaswadikul an Dr. Wirot Mankhatitham, BamrasnaraDura Institute, Ms. Ladda Jitwatanapataya, PPAT.They also joined the World Aids Day Observation and met with Thai parliamentarians.

Indonesian Legislators visited a temple where HIV/AIDS affected people are treated. PPAT explained their extensive network and the specific programme in the field of HIV/AIDs.Legislators also had an opportunity to talk to HIV infected people. The current situation of HIV/AIDS in Indonesia and what could be the future was also discussed at several places. It was emphasized that such visits are quite useful in giving parliamentarians an eyewitness account of HIV/AIDS situation and prevention strategies, what is working, and what is not. They were received by the Senate Committee on Public Health hosted by Dr. Veerapong Skolkitivat.

World Aids Day 2004

World AIDS Day 2004 was jointly commemorated by UNESCAP and UNAIDS with thought provoking exhibition at the United Nations Convention Center in December 1, 2004. Mr. Sakil Satyal from AFPPD was present at this special event, which brought together representatives from the governments, NGOs, civil societies, and professional institutions. The commemoration started with the launch of a HIV/AIDS publication launch featuring stories of the common people from across the world, which have committed themselves through personal initiatives or professional affiliations to help advocate, prevent, and care for HIV/AIDS issues. Dr. Keiko Okaida, Deputy Executive Secretary, UNESCAP opened the ceremony.

This was followed by a session by HIV/AIDS infected patients who gave personal testimonies of their lives before and after being infected, and how they have been coping with it. The testimonies, which were both emotional and encouraging, appealed for a better understanding amongst the general public and key stakeholders of the HIV/AIDS disease and called for them to contribute in their roles respectively to help combat this illness.

The testimonials featured a woman care-giver perspective (story about a rural mother from Chiang Mai, Thailand); a positive youth perspective (story of a 21 year old male peer counselor from Jakarta, Indonesia); and a brief about a positive mother’s perspective (story of a NGO project assistant from Manila who was a former domestic worker).

The keynote address was given by. Dr. Arzoo Rana Deuba, social activist from Nepal, who spoke on the theme “Women, girls, and HIV/AIDS” which was later followed by informative discussions.

“Today, 40 million people are estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS, of these, 37 million are adults and 2.5 million are children under the age of 15. An estimated 5 million people acquired the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in 2003, including 4.2 million adults and 700,000 children under the age of 15. 3 million people from all walks of life, both sexes, young and old, straight and gay, have died of AIDS, including over 500,000 children under the age of 15.”
--Red Ribbon Foundation

Bangladesh Parliamentarains Regional HIV/AIDS Tour

Bangladesh MPs Study Visit on HIV/AIDS in India, The Philippines, and Indonesia

Parliamentarians from Bangladesh visited Indonesia, The Philippines, and India from December 15-26, 2004 to study on HIV/AIDS programme, visit sponsored by UNFPA Bangladesh. The Parliamentarians divided into three groups and visited Bangkok, Thailand –where they were briefed by UNFPA/CST, UNAIDS and AFPPD officials. The visit was organized by AFPPD and its national committees in coorperation with UNFPA countries offices in the three respective countries where they had discussion with various organizations and key personnel involved in HIV/AIDS. They took the opportunity to interact with government, civil societies, parliamentarians, NGOS, and local people concerned with HIV/AIDS issues.

They also met with the national parliamentary committees of population and development in each country to discuss the role of national committees and parliamentarians in solving issues relating to HIV/AIDS.

The parliamentarians got a view of the ground realities of the HIV/AIDS situation and learnt of the many roles of key stakeholders for prevention and care. They also used this study tour as a platform to exchange country experiences, policies and strategies in order to produce a realistic action plan for combating HIV/AIDS in Bangladesh.

The Philipines

The first group of parliamentarians consisting of Mr. Enamul Hoque, Mr. Mohd. Sultan Mahmud Babu, Mr. Mohd. Nasir Uddin Pintu, Mr. Mohd habibul Islam Habib, Md. Akhtaruzzaman visited Manila, Philippines.

The Philipine Legislators Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD) together with several local NGOS, INGOs, and UNFPA organized frutiful meetings and discussions with the participants. The meeting included briefing session, visits to the local HIV/AIDS scene,and the efforts of legislators, civil worker, NGOS, and other concerened agencies to provide prevention, care, and treatment.

Indonesia

The second group of parliamentarians: Mr. Quazi Shirazul Islam, Mr. Md. Mahmudul Haque, Mr. Faizal Hossain, Mr. Md, Mohiuddin Ahmed, Mr. Md. Shahiduddin Choudhhury, Mr. Md. Abdul Khair Bhuyan, Mr. AKM Fazlur Haque Milon, Mr. Dilder Hossain Selim visited Jakarta from 22nd December to 26th December where they met members of Indonesian parliament, members of the Indonesian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (IFPPD), and had briefings with AIDS National Commission, UNFPA Indonesia, Ministry of health, Indonesian Family Planning Association, Pelinta llmu and Yakita Foundation which is organization providing prevention education and care on HIV/AIDS. They also had a session with UNFPA and Indonesian Forum to evaluate the visit and lessons learnt .

India

The group visiting India consisted of Mr. M.A. Matin, Mr. Mohammad Amzad Hossain Sarkar, Mr. Md. Abdul Hussain Khan, Mr. A.B.M. Ashraf Uddin, Mr. Mohammad Ali Sarker, and Mr. Abdur Rauf.

Parliamentarians had the opportunity to interact with Indian parliamentarians, members of the Indian Association of Parliamentarains for Population and Development (IAPPD) , UNFPA officials, and other experts to exchange views and country experiences om HIV/AIDS and related issues.

The Indian visit was very useful for the parliamentariaans the local conditions, including socio-cultural conditions, were similar to that of Bangladesh. The parlaimentarians were able use India as a case study for their own efforts to combat HIV/AIDS in their country.

Review of the Visit

All the parliamentarians on the study tour came to Bangkok to evaluate and share experiences about the visit and to discuss their own future plans on the basis of their experiences during their visits.

Mr. Chaiyos Kunanusont of UNFPA/CST Bangkok and Mr. Mohamed Ali Bhuiyan of APLF South Asia Coordinator, UNAIDS and Mr. Shiv Khare of AFPPD conducted the session in Bangkok. Dr. Malinee Sukavejworakit, Secretary General, AFPPD and Senator, Thailand, welcomed them in Bangkok.

Miscelleneous

JBIC role in Social Development

Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) is financial support arm for construction and other infrastructure projects from Japan. Recently JBIC is also moving in supporting the social welfare. Reproductive health and childcare are some of the project areas of JBIC.

On 7th December Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development Secretary General Dr. Malinee Sukavejworakit and Executive Director, Mr. Shiv Khare were at the JBIC headquarters and were received by Dr. Hiroo Ito, Director General, Sector Strategy Development Department JBIC, Mr. Takeo Matsuzawa, Deputy Director, Kei Toyama, Deputy Director for Social development Division, Sonoko Takahashi Deputy Director, Social Development Division, and Daniele Testelin, Social Development Advisor, Hisako Kodama and Emio Inako of Social Development and Health Department.

The discussion centered on JBIC to give emphasis on reproductive health, HIV/AIDS in their work. AFPPD and JBIC agreed to continue dialogue and work together closely n the future.

Visit by Dr. Shin Sakurai

Mr. Shin Sakurai, MP Japan, former chair of AFPPD and Member of JPFP visited Bangkok on his way to Dhaka, Bangladesh. He met AFPPD officials including Prof. Dr. Prasop Ratanakorn, Honorary Secretary General, IMPO and former Secretary General, AFPPD.

Mr. Sakurai discussed with the Dr. Prasop and others and AFPPD officials about the ongoing programs and activities and shared his views. He also discussed about Food Security Committee and its forthcoming meeting.

Kazakh Parliamentarians in Japan

A group of Kazakhstan member of parliaments headed by Dr. Beksultan Tutkushev, chair of Kazakhstan Parliamentary Committee on family visited Japan to study the family planning reproductive health and ongoing programs in Japan.

The Kazakh parliamentarians also attended the 30th anniversary of Japan parliamentary federation on population. Mr. Michio Ozaki, Executive Director of APDA briefed them, as well as Mr. Hirofumi Ando, former Deputy Executive Director of UNFPA and others. They also visited various institutions related to population, development, aging, and HIV/AIDS.

Dr. Malinee Sukavejworakit Attends Parliamentarians Conference in Islamabad, Pakistan

Dr. Malinee Sukavejworakit, Secretary General of AFPPD attended a general Assembly meeting of the Association of Parliamentarians for Peace in Islamabad, Pakistan from 29th November to 3rd December 2004.

Dr. Malinee spoke on Reproductive Health, including HIV/AIDS, and other development issues. She emphasised the need to address populations issues, as they tend to be the root causes of unrest, and unless population issues are adressed, peace may not prevail.

She was hopeful that violence against women all over Asia can be checked and girls should be given proper care, education, and respect.

The Assembly adopted Islamabad Declaration of the Association of Asian Parlaiments for Peace adopting a vision for Asia for peace and development throuhgh inter-parliamentary dialogue and cooperation

From IMPO Conference:
Progressive Realisation and Global Partnership Critical Dr. Richard Leete, UNFPA/UNDP Gives Keynote Address

Mr. Richard Leete, UN Resident Coordinator and UNFPA Representative for Malaysia give the key note address at the International Medical Parliamentarians Conference with Asian Focus: Ground Relaities on MDGs Poverty and Health this December 14-15, 2004 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Dr. Leete addressed the audience on “Reproductive Health and Millennium Development Goals: A Way Forward.”

He said that MDG targets update and reinforce ICPD targets on gender, primary schooling, child and maternal mortality and HIV/AIDS. He further mentioned, stating evidence, on the unmet needs of the ICPD and MDG agenda. Some of these unmet needs include the lack of access to reproductive health services, lack of empowerment of poor women to use them, and cultural barriers, as well as concerns about side-effects.

The 80 million unplanned pregnancies, 120 million lack of contraceptives for stopping and spacing pregancies, and 22.6 million unwanted births anually give evidence of this situation. He felt that the way forward is to define goal of maternal health to embrace ICPD vision of SRH, to view MDGs, Health Rights as complementary and supportive of poverty eradication and ICPD agenda, to invest in reproductive health and gender as cost effective strategy to improve lives of all, and to remove constraints --”progressive relisation” and “global partnership” is critical.

AFPPD at Subcommittee on Health and Development

AFPPD was represented by Mr. Sakil Satyal, Programme Associate, AFPPD at the Subcommittee on Health and Development Conference, First Session, at the United Nations Convention Center on December 1-3, 2004.

The conference discussed selected issues concerning the promotion of health and development in the region with focus on integrating health concerns into diverse development sectors, responding to the rising pandemic of non-communicable diseases, and investing in health.

AFPPD Wishes you Season’s Greetings and a
Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous
New Year 2005!

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Medical Parliamentarians Call for Attention in Reproductive Health to Achieve Millenium Development Goals

6th International Medical Parliamentarians Conference with Asian Focus Ground Realities on MDGs: Poverty and Health