UN Population Fund welcomes US citizens' efforts to close $34 million budget shortfall

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) today welcomed support from American citizens who have initiated two independent grass-roots campaigns in an effort to close a budget shortfall created by the United States Government's withholding of $34 million in funding.

According to UNFPA, the campaigns have started to circulate separate email letters, hoping to reach "34 million friends," urging each to contribute $1 or more. Cheques have begun to arrive at UNFPA's office in New York. One individual from Maine sent a cheque for $25,000 on Tuesday.

"This is an example of the commitment of the American people to be part of international efforts to improve the quality of life of families in developing countries, especially of women who are the immediate beneficiaries of UNFPA-supported programmes," said UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Obaid. "We wholeheartedly welcome this support from the American public for the joint efforts of many countries to provide health services and prevent diseases."

Earlier this month, the 133 members of the "Group of 77" developing countries declared that the loss of the $34 million would harm the global effort to prevent HIV/AIDS and jeopardize programmes in developing countries where UNFPA's support has been critical for poverty eradication and sustainable development.

Some of the programmes that would be affected include those to ensure safe delivery in eight rural districts in Kenya and improve emergency obstetric care in Burundi.

The $34 million could prevent two million unwanted pregnancies, nearly 800,000 abortions, 4,700 maternal deaths, nearly 60,000 serious maternal illnesses, and over 77,000 infant and child deaths, according to UNFPA.