PRESS RELEASE

LAUNCHING OF SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS REPORT ON POPULATION AND

DEVELOPMENT, REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH, HIV AND GENDER IN MYANMAR

16 July 2010 Yangon, Myanmar - The Launching Ceremony of Situational Analysis Report on Population
and Development, Reproductive Health, HIV and Gender in Myanmar was organized by UNFPA today at
the Sedona Hotel, Yangon. The ceremony was attended by more than 90 participants consisting of
representatives from embassies, donors, UN agencies, government departments, NGOs/INGOs, academia,
research institutions, professional institutions, and civil societies.

The Situational Analysis was initiated and supported by UNFPA Country Office in Myanmar and
undertaken by an independent team of national and international experts. The objectives of the study are
as follows:

To serve as a guide to the development of UNFPA’s programme of assistance and other

programmes
To provide inputs for reviewing progress in achieving the Millennium Development Goals
(MDGs) and International Conference on Population Development, Programme of Action, as
well as other international conferences and conventions.
To provide inputs for formulation of population policy directives and plans
To serve as a basis for resource allocation, coordination and partnerships in the field of
population, reproductive health and gender

This year-long study involved field visits to health facilities and in-depth interviews, key informant
interviews, site visits and focus group discussions with service providers, clients and beneficiaries from
the state and divisional level to village tract level.

The draft situation analysis report had been discussed earlier at the dissemination workshop in Nay Pyi
Taw on 24th March 2010. Feedbacks were provided by partners from the Ministry of National Planning
and Economic Development, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Population and Immigration, Ministry of
Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, regional advisors from UNFPA Asia Pacific Regional Office,
staff of UN agencies and national and international NGOs.

The Situational Analysis provides a review of demographic and population variables and trends in
Myanmar; outlines existing policy and programme efforts; identifies critical gaps, needs and priorities in
the areas of reproductive health, population and development and gender and lays out strategic
recommendations for policy, strategies and plans in order to achieve national priorities and international
targets. Mr. Mohamed Abdel-Ahad, UNFPA Representative for Myanmar stated that “The situation
analysis issued on 10th anniversary of Millennium Summit and only two months before the MDG 10
Summit. As such, the analysis provides valuable inputs to reviewing the progress that Myanmar made in
achieving MDGs”.

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At the launching ceremony, participants discussed and highlighted the demographic transition, a critical
development that is taking place in Myanmar with increase in the proportion of working age group
creating a “demographic window of opportunity or demographic bonus”. It was emphasized that “this
opportunity which will not last long, should be grasped and utilized by the government as well as the
donor community to promote economic growth through proper economic planning, investment in human
capital and job creation”.

Participants also strongly felt “a need for conducting population census” which will provide a master
sampling frame for all surveys and generate reliable and up to date data on the size, distribution and
characteristics of the population. On the other hand, it was acknowledged that intensive preparation,
capacity building and financial support are required for such a large scale survey.

Other discussion points focused on the importance of cooperation between the government and other
development partners in obtaining quality data, gender mainstreaming in programming and the need to
develop briefing kits on various aspects covered in the situation analysis targeted for different audiences.
Due recognition was given to Government efforts in partnership with the UN and civil society in
developing a plan of action for advancement of women and a reproductive health strategic plan (2009-
2013) and conducting a series of surveys.

Contact person: Mr. Mohamed Abdel-Ahad, UNFPA Representative at ahad@unfpa.org

Dr. Ne Win, Assistant representative, UNFPA at nwin@unfpa.org