UNFPA at a Glance

UNFPA has provided support to the Caribbean since 1969 and remains the largest international source of population assistance.  Over US$38 million has been furnished to Governments, NGOs and Civil Society in support of programmes and projects at both national and regional levels. 

UNFPA Caribbean has been at the forefront of creative, innovative policies/programmes regarding the Sexual and Reproductive health of Adolescents and young people that are rights-based and gender sensitive.

UNFPA Caribbean has supported regional projects which have provided Education, Training and Technical Advisory services for Health Care professionals – Physicians, Nurses, Teachers, Peer Counselors.

UNFPA Caribbean has been the driving force behind Caribbean countries’ ability to generate reliable databases through the support of censuses, surveys and research on key population issues.

UNFPA Caribbean has worked relentlessly to assist Governments in the integration of population and development concerns into policies and programmes.  Additionally, much assistance has been provided to improve countries’ capacity to source and deliver Reproductive Health commodities and equipment effectively and efficiently.

Emerging Population and Development Issues in the Caribbean

• Rapid spread of HIV/AIDS – particularly among youth aged 15-24.  Eight million of the 35 million people living in the Caribbean are between 10 and 24 years old;

• Early initiation of sexual activity and its inherent problems;

• Out-migration and its effects on resources and on the social fabric of small societies;

• Gender equity, equality and the advancement of Women – Violence against women and girls including sexual coercion is an area of major concern, coupled with the need to promote male responsibility and address male gender issues;

• A rapidly ageing population which poses significant challenges on the health and social security systems through the Caribbean;

• The need to promote and protect Reproductive Health and Rights, particularly among persons with disabilities, older persons and young people.

UNFPA at Work – 2002-2006

Against the backdrop of these major challenges, UNFPA Caribbean in consultation and collaboration with governments, regional institutions, NGOs of the English and Dutch speaking Caribbean and other UN agencies has developed a Programme of Assistance for the period 2002-2006.  The Programme works within the framework of National Policies and plans and supports countries in their implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

UNFPA Caribbean Programme of Assistance?

The goal of the UNFPA Programme of Assistance is to improve the quality of life of the peoples of the English and Dutch speaking Caribbean.

How is UNFPA Achieving this?

• By contributing to the reduction of poverty through the promotion of sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equality and equity and by integrating population-related factors into national development strategies and plans.

• By focusing on ensuring sustainability through capacity building and through the provision of assistance to Governments for the implementation of the Cairo Programme of Action.

• By heightened networking and collaboration with the various UN country teams within the Caribbean

• By forging strategic alliances with regional and international bodies

Implementation of the UNFPA Caribbean Programme of Assistance

The goals and objectives of the 2002-2006 Programme of Assistance are being implemented through two sub programmes both supported by cross-cutting advocacy strategies. 

1. Sub programme on Sexual and Reproductive Health
2. Sub programme on Population and Development Strategies

Sub Programme on Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH)

Expected Benefits

1. Increased availability and accessibility of high-quality, youth-friendly and gender-sensitive reproductive health services within primary health care systems in Belize, Guyana, St. Lucia, Jamaica, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.
2. Improved national capacities for the prevention of  HIV/AIDS
3. Increased awareness of reproductive health rights throughout the sub region, especially among youth and men.

Sub Programme on Population and Development Strategies (PDS)

Expected Benefits:

1. Enhanced capacity of countries to collect and analyse socio demographic data;
2. Increased understanding of the linkages between population and development factors by political and decision makers, thus increasing the opportunities for inclusion in countries’ national planning and policies. This forms an integral part of the ICPD and MDG follow-up;

Special emphasis is being placed on the following issues based on the needs of UNFPA stakeholders:

• Population and poverty reduction strategies;

• International migration;

• Population ageing;

• Gender-based violence;

• Impact of HIV/AIDS

Funding

Funding for the 2002-2006 UNFPA Caribbean Programme of Assistance is being provided from general (regular) UNFPA resources  as well as from international development partners for specific project activities – The European Commission and the Fund for International Development of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).