UNFPA donates reproductive health kits to seven districts

Seven refugee-hosting districts will receive emergency reproductive health kits worth Shs 220 million courtesy of United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Speaking at the hand-over ceremony held at the Uganda Health Marketing Group (UHMG) in Ntinda last week, Alain Sibenaler, the UNFPA country director said the lucky districts are Arua, Adjumani, Kiryandongo, Kitgum, Lamwo, Yumbe and Moyo.

“This is the right investment to ensure the health, dignity and the rights of women, girls and young people. Being able to ensure safe births for pregnant refugees and support for gender-based violence with the most basic supplies and services is of outmost value,” said Sibenaler.

He noted that if properly distributed, the kits could help meet the health needs of close to three million people. He advised the suppliers do their work right. Majority of refugees and people in host communities face aggravated health complications.

Currently, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), estimates that there are about 1.2 million refugees in Uganda, majority of whom are vulnerable women and children, especially girls, from South Sudan. It’s estimated that every day, 2,000 people from the world’s youngest nation cross into Uganda.

The UNFPA country representative emphasised that they would continue to improve the lives of young people whether they are refugees or from host communities. This, he said, would help them achieve their potential and thus become responsible citizens.

“This equipment is a significant action towards saving the lives of women and young people. Behind every piece of equipment is a story waiting to be told.”

Douglas Asiimwe, the head of the asylum and protection division at the Office of Prime Minister, observed that since Uganda hosts many refugees, there’s too much pressure for resources. He termed UNFPA’s donation as timely and added that it would go along step in bettering the lives of those that live in refugee communities.

Asiimwe said healthcare needed immediate response and attention since the number of refugees was growing with every passing day yet they had health issues that needed urgent attention. He added that much emphasis had been put in educating refugee populations while ignoring their health needs but vowed that government’s policy would shift to include the latter.

“Government incorporated refugee issues in the National Development Plan (NDP) to advocate and plan for the additional numbers. They (refugees) are growing in numbers and it’s important that all line ministries do plan for them,” he said.

Joyce Tamale, the managing director at Uganda Health Management Group welcomed the donation and promised that they would reach the intended beneficiaries. 

The kits included components used in emergency situations such as deliveries, rape and abortions with each having the required medicines to address a certain challenge.  There are also family planning supplies such as condoms.

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