Kigoma Receives A Major Boost From UNFPA, Japan To Heighten Service Delivery On Sexual Reproductive Healthcare -

KIGOMA

The humanitarian support include dignity kits, medical equipment, reproductive health supplies and a vehicle.

By Semaweb Reporter

PATIENTS in need of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services with Kigoma region are set to start receiving improved healthcare.

The development has been made possible following a patriotic move by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, to hand over vital medical facilities to Kigoma’s Regional Administration for improving life-saving Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services.

The medical equipment has been donated to the region mapped on the northeastern shores of Lake Tanganyiks by UNFPA in sync with the Government of Japan.

The medical boost is part of the Japan Supplementary Budget Project, allocating 359, 964 US dollars to UNFPA for a year-long project titled ‘Delivering Life-saving SRH to communities in Kigoma.

According to the UNFPA Representative in Tanzania, Mr Mark Schreiner, the timely support is part of the shared vision to ensure women and girls community are not left behind.

“We’re impressed as this support from the Japan is now enabling us to sustain and heightening critical health services that save lives and empower communities,” Mr Schreiner expressed.

The donated items include medical equipment, dignity kits, reproductive health supplies and a vehicle.

Among others, the project focuses to help addressing major gaps in reproductive health services in Kigoma where limited access to quality care has resulted in significant health risks including pregnancy complications.

Kigoma reports 2,004 pregnancies with over 200 complications or miscarriages monthly- a sobber reminder of the urgent challenge in maternal deaths.

Thus, the UNFPA mission which is grounded in three transformative results including zero preventable maternal deaths, zero unmet need for family planning, and zero gender-based violence and harmful practices is ensured.

Ambassador of Japan in Tanzania, Mr Yasushi Misawa, observed that the partnership aims to ensure that women, adolescent girls, and first-time young mothers have access to essential health services, fostering hope and resilience among those most affected.

“The Japan government remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting vulnerable communities,” he said.

Through its Embassy in the country, Japan has implemented seven education, health and sanitation projects in various districts in Kigoma Region over the past 20 years.

SRH

Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is an essential component of the humanitarian response. Morbidity and mortality related to SRH is a significant global public health issue and people in humanitarian settings often face heightened risks and additional barriers to SRH services.

ABOUT UNFPA

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), formerly the United Nations Fund for Population Activities, is a UN agency aimed at improving reproductive and maternal health worldwide. Its work includes developing national healthcare strategies and protocols, increasing access to birth control, and leading campaigns against child marriage, gender-based violence, obstetric fistula, and female genital mutilation.