She stressed the need for all levels of government to provide avenues for individuals and couples to achieve their fertility goals.
Ms Kanem said that for the first time, no country was estimated to have an “extremely high” maternal mortality rate of more than 1,000 deaths per 100,000 live births.
The UNFPA chief also highlighted the importance of engaging men and boys in interrupting patterns of violence and changing harmful attitudes.
“We call for immediate, unimpeded humanitarian access so that food, medicines, water, and fuel can reach everyone in need,” the UN official said.
Twenty finalists pitched their innovative ideas, with the eventual 10 winners signing nine-month contracts with UNFPA. They will receive an equity-free investment of $60,000.
Two hundred and fifty-seven million women who want to avoid pregnancy are not using safe, modern methods of contraception.
