Interview: Mr. Faysal Abdel-Gadir, UNFPA Country Director for Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau, Palau, Marshall Islands and Federated States of Micronesia
Asia-Pacific Popin Bulletin 4(2): 8-12
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 1014-885X PMID: 12317837 Document Number: 263576
The Pacific region has 7500 islands spread over 30 million sq. km of ocean; 500 islands are inhabited. Small countries and territories in the region generally experience low to moderate mortality, moderate to high fertility, uneven population distribution fueled by internal migration and urbanization, and weak economic resource bases. Unemployment, high population density, and environmental pollution and resource depletion also plague some countries. To best assess regional needs for assistance, the UNFPA reviewed its Pacific program and strategy in 1991. The UNFPA subsequently committed US$18 million to support a comprehensive multisectoral program over 1992-96. 64% of the budget has been earmarked for maternal and child health/family planning and information, education, and communication programs. Population, environment, and technical cooperation components will also be included in addition to other UNFPA workplan categories. Programs will be culturally sensitive and carried out by both governments and nongovernmental organizations. Population information is an essential contributory aspect of socioeconomic development.