The International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) has on Sunday 15th November 2009 observed its 15th Anniversary Thanksgiving with a mass celebration held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish on Siaka Stevens Street in Freetown.

Speaking to Awareness Times, the UNFPA Country Representative to Sierra Leone, Mrs. Ratidzai Ndoluvu, said world leaders and experts have agreed on a course to bring the world to greater balance. They envisioned a world where all persons enjoy equal rights and opportunities and can live up to their full potential where violence and discrimination against women and girls are neither common place nor tolerated.

Mrs. Ratidzai Ndoluvu

"We will not eradicate extreme poverty and hunger to meet the Millennium Development Goals until greater attention is paid to population, health, and equality. When women are educated and healthy, they raise healthy and educated children and help break the cycle of poverty," said Mrs. Ndoluvu, adding, "When women enjoy equal rights and opportunity, they contribute to creating a better life for all. None of the world’s most pressing problems can be solved without the full participation of women."

The UNFPA Country Rep. further stated that UNFPA plans to eradicate maternal mortality, adding that every minute, one woman died when giving birth in developing nations. Additionally, she went on, now is the time to keep their promise in ensuring universal access to reproductive health and education by 2015.

As part of the commemoration, fifty (50) baby bags were donated to women whose children’s birthday falls on this day (15th November 2009).

Delivering his sermon on the theme "Stay awake, praying at all times for the strength", the Chief Celebrant, Reverend Father Matthew Jusu, admonished his audience on the importance of the celebration while calling on them to join in eradicating maternal mortality.