UN Resident Coordinator Babatunde Ahonsi's statement at the launch of the state of the world population report

                                                                                                                   Launch of the State of the World Population Report

Madam Chairperson,

Honourable Ministers of the Government of Sierra Leone,

Distinguished representatives of the Government,

Her Worship the Mayor of the Municipality of Freetown

Mayors from the provincial cities,

Members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corp,

Development partners,

Members of the Fourth estate,

Invited guests,

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen,  

I am honoured to be here with you this morning to commemorate World Population Day, with the theme ‘My body is my own: claiming the right to autonomy and self-determination.

World Population Day is an annual event, which seeks to raise awareness on global population issues. The event, celebrated every 11th of July, was inspired by public interest back in 1987 when the world's population reached five billion people. Sierra Leone has joined with the rest of the world to commemorate World Population Day ever since.  

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) produces the “State of World Population Report” every year, which analyses developments and trends in world population and demographics. The report also sheds light on specific regions, countries, and population groups, including the unique challenges they face.   This year’s World Population Day celebration is centred on raising awareness of the State of the World Population Report itself. Additionally, this year’s commemoration seeks to raise awareness on the International Conference on Population and Development commitments, Sierra Leone’s National Population Policy—all of which are critical to providing accurate data on the status of women’s health and rights.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The relevance of the documents and initiatives mentioned to national development and in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals cannot be overemphasised. According to the 2021 State of the World Population Report, half of the women living in 57 developing countries are denied the right to choose their sexual partners and to decide when to bear children, through the use of contraceptives. Women continue to lack the power to make decisions regarding their bodies, without the fear of violence.

In Sierra Leone, according to the 2019 Demographic Health Survey, 61 percent of ever-married women between 15 to 49 years of age have experienced violence committed by their partners. 83 percent of women aged women aged 15 - 49 have undergone female genital mutilation, while 25 percent of married women and 28 percent of adolescents aged 15 to 19 years do not have access to family planning services.

Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has presented us with additional challenges that if unmitigated, may have a lasting impact on these already dire demographics, including the development gains made thus far. The fact that the physical gathering for this meeting has been limited demonstrates how the pandemic has affected every facet of the society. Indeed, COVID-19 has exposed the challenges in health care systems globally and has further exacerbated gaps in providing sexual and reproductive health information and services.

Furthermore, the reallocation of resources away from these services is taking a toll on the health of women and girls. For some, it has led them to postpone childbearing. For others, disruptions in health care have led to unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and in some cases, death. Although we have yet to get a full picture of the impact of COVID-19 on fertility, these trends have provoked concerns about baby booms or busts.

COVID-19 has laid bare stark inequalities and weaknesses in healthcare systems within and among countries. Whilst health services are recognized as a human right, they have been under prioritized in favour of more “pressing” concerns. Amid economic pressures and budget cuts, there is a real risk that some countries may fail to restore these services.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen,

Every woman has the right to make their own choices about their sexual and reproductive health. What leads to healthy and productive societies, is when women can make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health, and when they have access to services to support their choices. A woman who has control over her body gains not only in terms of autonomy but also through advances in health and education, income and safety. She is more likely to thrive, and so is her family. However, whilst the theme of this year’s World Population day commemoration is “My body is my own”, the question still lingers on how many women and girls can freely make that claim.

On World Population Day, let us take action to close these gaps because sexual and reproductive health services are paramount to the development and well-being of our population. Health systems may be strained, but sexual and reproductive health should remain a priority as any delay may have lasting ramifications to the health and well-being of women and girls. Recognizing the right of women to make informed sexual and reproductive choices is not enough—we need to ensure an enabling environment where women could freely exercise this right.  

As I conclude, I recall the commitment made at the 25th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development,

• To reduce the unmet need for Family Planning from 24.8% in 2019 by 20% in 2025;
• To reduce the maternal mortality of 1,165 per 100,000 live births by 50% in 2028;
• To enact the Prohibition of Child Marriage Bill which will criminalize child marriage for all types of marriages by the end of 2020, and;
• To provide an inclusive platform for a broad range of stakeholders to come together around the universally applicable principle of rights and choices for all.

On behalf of the United Nations in Sierra Leone, I would like to assure you of our continued support to the Government of Sierra Leone in achieving those results that pave the way towards the sustainable development goals and the Agenda 2063 of the Africa We Want! Thank you.