WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA - The United Nations Population Fund Namibia Country Office extends heartiest congratulations to H.E. Advocate Bience Gawanas, former African Union (AU) Commissioner for Social Affairs, on being bestowed with the Award for Outstanding Contribution to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights by the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF).

H.E. Advocate Gawanas’ contribution to the social development of Namibia and the Africa continent has been iconic and phenomenal. She has initiated far-reaching campaigns on women’s health and rights and survival of newborns and children on the continent, such as the Africa-wide Campaign on Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa (CARMMA). Her advocacy and mobilization efforts for survival of mothers and newborns within Africa and beyond have been outstanding. The relevance and benefits of CARMMA have been acknowledged by its extension from 2016-2030 by the African Union.

The AU CARMMA initiative, which is supported by UNFPA and other development partners, was launched in 2009 and has now been launched by 46 of the 54 African countries as a way of redoubling efforts to improve the health and survival of mothers, babies and young children.

We also take this opportunity to appreciate the special commitment and support of H.E. Advocate Bience Gawanas to UNFPA and its mandate on Women’s Health, Family Planning and Investing in Young People.
UNFPA congratulates H.E. Advocate Bience Gawanas and wishes her every success in the years ahead.