Bangladeshi wins United Nations Population Award

Dr. H.H. Akhter, winner of the 2006 United Nations Population Award in the individual category

A doctor from Bangladesh, pioneer in promoting reproductive health and family planning, and a major reproductive health foundation in Haiti have won the 2006’s United Nations Population Award. Dr. Halida Hanum Akhter received the award for her outstanding contribution to raising awareness of population issues (see exclusive interview page 3).
The other winner, the Foundation pour la Sante Reproductive et l’Education Familiale, is a private, non-profit organization devoted to reproductive health and the promotion of family life in Haiti. Formed in 1988, it provides reproductive health care for more than 1.2 million people through a network of 26 centres. The Foundation has provided basic training on reproductive health to 500 teachers and 6,500 young workers, and created a network of 30,000 young volunteers who disseminate information on reproductive health, including HIV/AIDS.
The Award, established by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), goes each year to individuals and institutions for their outstanding work in population and in improving the health and welfare of individuals.