United Nations Population Fund facts for kids
Quick facts for kids  United Nations Population Fund |
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| Status | Active |
| Headquarters | New York City, United States |
The United Nations Population Fund UNFPA, formerly the United Nations Fund for Population Activities, is a UN agency aimed at improving reproductive and maternal health worldwide. Its work includes developing national healthcare strategies and protocols and leading campaigns against gender-based violence.
The UNFPA supports programs in more than 144 countries across four geographic regions: Arab States and Europe, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, and sub-Saharan Africa. Around three-quarters of the staff work in the field. It is a founding member of the United Nations Development Group, a collection of UN agencies and programmes focused on fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals.
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Origins
The agency began operations in 1969 as the United Nations Fund for Population Activities under the administration of the United Nations Development Fund. In 1971 it was placed under the authority of the United Nations General Assembly. Its name was changed into United Nations Population Fund in 1987. However, the shortened term of UNFPA has been retained.
Leadership
Executive Directors and Under-Secretaries-General of the UNFPA
| Executive Director | Country | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Dr Natalia Kanem |  Panama |
2017–present |
| Babatunde Osotimehin |  Nigeria |
2011–2017 |
| Thoraya Ahmed Obaid |  Saudi Arabia |
2000–2010 |
| Nafis Sadik |  Pakistan |
1987–2000 |
| Rafael M. Salas |  Philippines |
1969–1987 |
Areas of work
UNFPA is the world's largest multilateral source of funding for population and reproductive health programs. The Fund works with governments and non-governmental organizations in over 150 countries with the support of the international community, supporting programs that help women, men and young people:
- undergo safe pregnancy and childbirth
- decrease violence against women
- increase the equality of women
The Fund raises awareness of and supports efforts to meet these goals, advocates close attention to population concerns and helps nations formulate policies and strategies in support of sustainable development. Osotimehin assumed leadership in January 2011. The Fund is also represented by UNFPA Goodwill Ambassadors and a Patron.
How it works
UNFPA works in partnership with governments, along with other United Nations agencies, communities, NGOs, foundations and the private sector, to raise awareness and mobilize the support and resources needed to achieve its mission to promote the rights and health of women and young people.
Contributions from governments and the private sector to UNFPA in 2016 totaled $848 million. The amount includes $353 million to the organization's core resources and $495 million earmarked for specific programs and initiatives. As a result of the economic impact of coronavirus pandemic, United Kingdom imposed 85% aid cut to UNFPA.
Other UN population agencies and entities
Entities with competencies about population in the United Nations:
- Commission on Population and Development
- United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs
See also
In Spanish: Fondo de Población de las Naciones Unidas para niños
