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ACCRA - The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is mounting a campaign to end the scourge of female genital mutilation (FGM) and child-marriage by 2030, a UN official said.

Opening the Third China-Africa Conference on Population and Development in Accra, Ghana on Monday, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UNFPA Natalia Kanem urged a concerted global effort to end these twin issues, especially in Africa.

Kanem said the UNFPA will also ensure contraceptives are available, especially in Africa where demand is high, as well as ending gender-based violence and maternal mortality.

"Women and girls deserve respect, full and equal participation, equity and equality," she added.

Kanem lauded China for its cooperation with Africa in promoting population and development, taking a cue from its success in reaping the demographic dividend in economic and social development.

The three-day conference is hosted by Ghana's Ministry of Planning, with support from the Chinese government.(FA)