UNFPA hands over Japan-funded medical supplies, ambulance to MoH

Addis Ababa, November 15, 2023 (FBC) – UNFPA, the United Nations Sexual and Reproductive Health Agency, handed over on Tuesday a high-spec Toyota Landcruiser ambulance, medical equipment, and supplies worth nearly 12.9 million Birr to the Ministry of Health.

The ambulances and medical supplies and equipment were purchased with the financial support of the Government of Japan to UNFPA Ethiopia’s humanitarian response in the Amhara and Benishangul Gumuz regions.

The ambulance, medical equipment, and supplies will contribute to strengthening the referral linkages for emergency obstetric and new-born care as well as enhancing the capacity of quality integrated sexual and reproductive health service delivery to the most vulnerable women and girls, it was indicated.

Speaking at the hand-over ceremony, Ms. Ito Takako, Ambassador of Japan to Ethiopia, said “the project aims to increase access to and availability of quality SRH and GBV information and services for 35,160 vulnerable women, girls, adolescents and youths in selected emergency affected districts in 2 target regions” and “while we face many challenges nationally and internationally, the dignity of the individual must not be neglected and the voices of the most vulnerable must be heard.”

For his part, Dr. Dereje Dhuguma, Minister of State for Health, stated that Japan stood with Ethiopia during challenging times. UNFPA was also one of the few who worked in hard-to-reach areas during conflict and other emergencies.

He also thanked the government of Japan and UNFPA for their unwavering support to Ethiopia.

“The ambulance, medical equipment, and supplies, which were handed over, will enhance the efforts being exerted at UNFPA’s three zeros by 2030; zero unmet need for family planning; zero preventable maternal deaths; and zero gender-based violence and harmful practices.” said Mr. Koffi Kouame, UNFPA Ethiopia Country Representative.

It is stated that the Government of Japan granted 1.14 million US dollars to UNFPA for the project aimed to increase access to and availability of quality SRH and GBV information and services for vulnerable women, girls, adolescents, and youth in December 2022.

In line with the 9th Country Programme, UNFPA contributes to strengthening national and regional service delivery systems and the capacity to provide life-saving sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence information and services for populations affected by crises.