DAMASCUS, (SANA)-Syria and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) since 1971 have worked to establish a common strategic partnership in the fields of population, development, reproductive health and gender equality.

The 10th Five-year plan in Syria concentrates on the achievement of a balanced and fair development, the relation between the population activity and the social and economic development in order to decrease poverty and improve the living standard of people.

The UNFPA help to Syria has continued during the latest years through its contributions in improving the reproductive health, including family affairs, saving women and prevention from HIV infection.

"We are working with the Syrian authorities to support issues of population and development, based on a strong relation, cooperation and coordination as well as true desire to realized tangible results on reality within priorities and work plan of the International Conference on Population," UNFPA assistant representative in Syria Maria al-Salem said in a statement Friday.

"Syrian government and UNFPA have decided that during the current work session from 2007 to 2011 work will be concentrated on the northern and north eastern regions as their developmental indications are less than any other Syrian city," Al-Salem added,

She went on to say that UNFPA work focuses basically on the reproductive health care, adding "70% of the Fund budget is allocated to improve this sector and reduce the number of deaths among kids.

The United Nations Population Fund is an international development agency that promotes the right of every woman, man and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity. UNFPA supports countries in using population data for policies and programs to reduce poverty.

Mazen