SECRETARY-GENERAL VISITS SARAJEVO HOSPITAL TO GREET SYMBOLIC SIX BILLIONTH WORLD CITIZEN
Press Release
SG/SM/7169
POP/740
SECRETARY-GENERAL VISITS SARAJEVO HOSPITAL TO GREET SYMBOLIC SIX BILLIONTH WORLD CITIZEN
19991012The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for the Secretary-General Kofi Annan:
The Secretary-General visited the Sarajevo Kosevo hospital to greet a baby born today, symbolically designated as the six billionth world citizen. The United Nations projects that world population, which is growing by 78 million persons a year, will pass 6 billion today.
The Secretary-General announced a grant of $50,000 to Sarajevos Kosevo Hospital to improve maternity services. The United Nations Foundation will provide $30,000 and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) $20,000. The assistance will be used to refurbish the hospitals maternity ward, including new equipment for safe deliveries and neonatal care, and to provide refresher training for doctors and midwives in the latest techniques for modern obstetrical care.
The United Nations Foundation was established by Ted Turner to support the work of the United Nations and its agencies. The UNFPA assists developing countries and countries with economies in transition to improve voluntary reproductive health services.
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