UNFPA Launches its 2011 Population report in Addis Ababa

The United Nations population fund UNFPA launched its flagship state of world population report in Addis Ababa. The world population hits 7 billion on 31 October 2011.But what does 7 billion people mean? Almost everyone automatically raises this question. This is what the UNFPA state of the world’s population report 2011 tries to answer. The report published with the theme “People and Possibilities in a world of 7 billion” was launched here at Hilton hotel in the presence of first lady Azeb Mesfin, Ethiopian State minister of finance and economic development Ahmed Shide, representatives and heads of UN agencies as well as local and international organizations. Speaking at the launching event state minister of finance and economic development Ahmed Shide said despite Ethiopia’s successive economic growth, population growth poses significant challenge to attain development goals. He said addressing needs of women and young people in family planning and unleashing their potential as development actors is one area of the growth plan that eases the high population burden.

UN resident coordinator Mr. Eugene Owusu sees the 7 billion population number as both a challenge and opportunity. He says in many parts of the developing world population growth is outpacing economic growth. He stresses that reproductive health services would have important place to take advantage of overpopulation.

The state of the world population 2011 is mainly a report from the field, from nine countries including Ethiopia. Specific findings in the report concerning the situation of Ethiopia shows that 65 percent of the population is less than 25 years of age. A slower decline in fertility was also noted. Based on its findings, the report stresses on the need for provision of adequate reproductive health services and investment on women and young people on their health and education. It also gives reminder that older people need supportive services.(AFRO FM)