Accra, Aug.20, GNA - A new milestone would be reached when the world= 's population reaches seven billion by October 31 this year. This new landmark would come with opportunities and challenges for though people were living longer and healthier there are some pertinent challenges associated with the population increase.

Mrs Doris Aglobitse, Advocacy and Resource Mobilization Officer of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), said this at the opening of a three-day capacity building workshop on Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (EMONC) and the Seven Billion Campaign for journalists in Accra. The workshop brought together about 45 participants from UNFPA, National Population Council and Ghana Health Service.

The program was initiated by Media and Communication Advocacy Network (MCAN) of UNFPA, and it was aimed at updating the knowledge of journalists on EMONC and providing them with a comprehensive overview of the seven billion population campaign. Journalists were taken through a variety of skills including how to identify and report on reproductive health and a visit a health facility fo= r first-hand information on the provisions of EMONC. Mrs Aglobitse said access to basic health care before, during and immediately after delivery could not be taken for granted as we reach the seven billion population milestone. She said it was important that women were provided with the full famil= y planning package and maternal care to help curb premature and pregnancy related deaths. She said investing in the youth and women in particular was a cost-effective and essential way to solve the world's most challenging problems.