Cairo, Egypt-On October 31st the world’s population will reach seven billion people. This milestone presents both challenges and opportunities of an unparalleled magnitude. To help us imagine what seven billion means, demographers have calculated that it would take a person walking 133 times around the world before that person would walk seven billion steps. At the same time standing shoulder to shoulder, seven billion people could fit within the city limits of Los Angeles. It is not a matter of resources; it is a matter of equal distribution of opportunities and planning.
Such a challenge requires us to revisit issues of poverty and inequality, women and girls’ empowerment, reproductive health and rights, young people, ageing population, environment, and urbanization. To highlight the implications of this milestone, UNFPA has launched the 7 Billion Actions global campaign revolving around these seven topics and inviting governments, NGOs, the private sector, media, academia and individuals to have a socially positive impact and work together for a better world.
In this context, UNFPA Egypt decided to shed light on the efforts of individuals who are making a difference by improving the quality of life of those in their communities. Recognizing the crucial role played by midwives in improving the health and saving the lives of many mothers and children. In this context, UNFPA Egypt honored forty midwives on October 12th in Miniya. These midwives were the most recent graduates of a six-month program, hosted by UNFPA Egypt in coordination with the Ministry of Health, which trained midwives on safe deliveries and reproductive health.
Many other organizations and individuals have already joined the 7 Billion Actions campaign. You, too, can partake in this global initiative by simply liking the 7 Billion Actions page on Facebook, following 7 Billion Actions on Twitter, sharing National Geographic’s videos on 7 Billion, following the 7 Billion Actions Blog sharing your story on our platform, subscribing your organization, creating your own version of our anthem “United” , joining the short film competition, or even just embedding the Population Counter on your website. We are counting on you!
