Havana, 21 October 2022 (TDI): Dr. Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Organization (UN), arrived in Cuba on Monday, October 17, 2022.
She was received by the Cuban President, Miguel Díaz-Canel on Thursday, October 20 2022 at the Palace of the Revolution.
President Miguel Díaz-Canel, while conveying his pleasure in receiving the senior official stated that her visit to Cuba was welcomed as a positive step.
It will serve to promote strong bilateral relations between the United Nations Population Fund Agency and Cuba.
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Likewise, in her conversation, Dr. Natalia Kanem conveyed him greeting from the general secretary of the United Nations organization, António Guterres.
She also mentioned her keynote address at the International Convention “Cuba-Salud 2022” to the President.
Visited Doña Leonor Pérez Cabrera maternity home
Advocating UNFPA’s agenda on universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights to a safe birth, Dr. Natalia Kanem visited the Doña Leonor Pérez Cabrera maternity home.
The maternity home provides complete care to women at risk of pregnancy complications to ensure safe births.
During her stay in Cuba, the senior official also reiterated the UNFPA’s commitment to promoting the rights and inclusion of people of the African continent and admired the work of the Cuban government to eliminate all forms of social discrimination.
The meeting ended with renewed determination and commitment between the officials to continue mutual efforts in multiple dimensions. President Miguel Díaz-Canel also thanked Dr. Natalia Kanem for the cooperation, of both herself and the UNO with Cuba.
According to UNFPA, the risk of forced marriages of under-aged girls was much higher in economically hit families in the aftermath of Covid-19.
As many as 13 million girls could be forced to marry before their age, terminating their right to education as well as a better life.
