IRIN reports on efforts to increase access to contraceptives, curb population growth in Madagascar

IRIN reports on women's efforts to curb population growth in Madagascar, "one of 12 developing countries receiving support to improve access to contraceptives through the U.N. Population Fund's (UNFPA) Global Programme to Enhance Reproductive Health Commodity Security." The news service writes, "According to UNFPA, the percentage of women using contraceptives rose by 11 percent between 2004 and 2009 to reach 29 percent. Despite this increase, birth control is still not always available, even in urban areas, and one in four births occurs less than 24 months after the preceding one."

"This means Madagascar is facing rapid population growth," IRIN writes, adding, "By 2050 the population is expected to more than double, from 19.5 million to 42.3 million, according to the World Bank." The news service highlights efforts by Femmes Interessee au Development de Antalaha (FIDA), which, among other efforts, uses World Bank funding to run a center "where the volunteers give girls information and advice, and even accompany those afraid to go to a doctor by themselves, or to report sexual abuse and violence" (10/12).