The celebration of World Population Day was held on 11 July 2014 in Manakara in the presence of the Minister of Population, Social Protection and the Advancement of Women (MPPSPF), Mrs. Eléonore JOHASY, Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Jean Anicet ANDRIAMOSARISOA, Minister of Crafts, Culture and Heritage, Mrs. Vaonalaroy RANDRIANARISOA, Head of Region Brigadier General Jean Felix RANDIARIAMAROLO and the Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Madagascar, Mrs. Agathe LAWSON, as well as some Members of Parliament.
This year, young people are honored for World Population Day through the chosen theme by the United Nations: "Investing in young people.” Today's youth have never been so numerous and therefore have a vital role to play in development. Although they face daily challenges in health, education and employment, they are a force for the global future in which it is necessary to invest.
This year, UNFPA, the Ministry of Population, Social Protection and the Promotion of Women decided to celebrate World Population Day 2014 in Manakara in the Vatovavy Fitovinany Region. A choice that clearly coincides with MPPSPF and UNFPA interventions that are currently conducting a repair and awareness campaign on obstetric fistula. This disease related to childbirth affects a large number of women and girls in the region, particularly due to early pregnancy.
Several activities have been carried out to celebrate this JMP, as are the traditional dances and folk songs that have seen the participation of young people from some local institutions and “Fokontany.” They met especially during sporting activities.
The celebration began on Thursday July 10, in the morning, by the visit of the Minister of Population, Social Protection and the Promotion of Women, Mrs. Eléonore JOHASY , in the centres of professional training, culture and leisure. A public awareness and mobilization session focused on citizenship, citizenship and reproductive health ended this day
Activities continued on Friday, 11 July with a revival that traveled the city to mobilise the population. Afterwards, a carnival of young people from various associations marched through the streets to reach the Place de la Democratie where the official ceremony was held.
"The future of youth is at the heart of our concerns, they are able to and we are determined to support them so that they can find the appropriate opportunities and supports to find their way and that they can be confident in the future," said the Minister of Population, Social Protection and the Promotion of Women, Mrs. Eléonore JOHASY during her speech. The main actors and beneficiaries of this day, the young people participated actively in the event, notably through animations and exhibitions in stands.
"It is time to accompany them, to orient them so that they can reach their ideals and offer them a favourable environment so that they can flourish. Let us give youth a central place in future development programmes," said UNFPA Representative in Madagascar, Mrs. Agathe LAWSON. In the late morning, the Minister invited the representatives of the associations and the various authorities to take traditional meal "nofon-kena mitam-pihavanana" in the MAGNEVA centre. In the afternoon, an intergenerational debate took place in the C.E.G. a reference for generations to exchange on their respective realities and aspirations.
