Yemen conflict having “devastating” effect on women of reproductive age

The latest round of peace talks aimed at ending the year-long conflict in Yemen is set to begin later this month. The resulting breakdown in the country’s healthcare system has put the lives of some 3.4 million women between 15 and 49 years old at risk, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) reports. The agency estimates that in the coming months, as many as 1,000 pregnant women could die or face life-threatening complications during childbirth due to the lack of services and shortage of qualified medical personnel. May Yaacoub has been speaking to Kais Al-Abhar, a UNFPA analyst based in the capital, Sana’a.

Life continues for resettled Syrian refugees

Young refugees from Syria who have been resettled in Europe are being given opportunities to continue their studies in school. Five years of civil war has driven almost five million people abroad from their homes in Syria. A recent UNHCR study found that 20 per cent of the Syrians arriving in Greece were families headed by women, without husband or father. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is working with NGOs and nations like Portugal to provide scholarships and accommodation for Syrian students. Janie Cangelosi has the story.

Growing epidemic of non-communicable diseases “scary” for women

The growing epidemic of non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes or cancer, is a particularly frightening reality for women. That’s according to Dr Nata Menabde, Executive Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) office at the UN in New York. Non-communicable diseases kill 38 million people each year and almost three quarters of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Dr Menabde spoke with Elena Vapnitchnaia about the particularly vulnerable position of women.

Presenter: Jocelyne Sambira

Production Assistant: Ana Carmo

Duration: 10'00″