UNFPA Pacific, Suva, Fiji (March 21, 2016) - The United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA, handed over inter-agency reproductive health supplies to the Government of Fiji through the Ministry of Health and Medical Services Monday afternoon.
The inter-agency reproductive health kits are worth around FJ$230,000.00 (US$116,000.00). Twelve (12) different kits, around nine tonnes of supplies, comprise the batch presented to the Minister of Health and Medical Services Hon. Jone Usamate.
The reproductive health kits will cover the needs of more than 450,000 affected population for a period of three months. Depending on the type of kit, these will be distributed to health service providers, maternity units and referral hospitals. Included in the kits are the emergency clean delivery kits which are sanitized delivery packs for clean and safe deliveries in emergency situations that prevent regular autoclaving of medical equipment.
"In supporting the response efforts of the Government of Fiji, the United Nations Population Fund wants to ensure life-saving reproductive health information and services are available for women and young people," Dr Laurent Zessler, UNFPA Pacific Sub-Regional Office Director and Representative said.
"The kits are intended to enable the provision of life-saving reproductive health services in affected areas." These interagency reproductive health kits are global standard kits used in responding to all types of emergencies worldwide; the kits include both equipment and medical supplies.
UNFPA's immediate response after Cyclone Winston wrought havoc in certain areas of the country on February 20 was the distribution of prepositioned dignity kits and clean delivery kits. UNFPA is procuring a total of 6,400 dignity kits for women and girls including pregnant and lactating women. The dignity kits are intended to address the basic hygiene needs of women including undergarments, sanitary pads and shirts as well as some items for protection such as a torch.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and the Fiji Nursing Association, the UNFPA is also supporting the deployment of an additional 20 midwives for three months to relieve health service providers in the affected health facilities.
With funding from the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), funding from the Government of Australia and using its internal funds, UNFPA will focus on responding to the reproductive health and protection needs of women and girls, and young people affected by Cyclone Winston.
For more information: Ariela Zibiah, Landline: +679 3230711 Cell: +679 9991796 Email: [email protected]
