In a collaborative effort to address the urgent needs of women and girls affected by the devastating floods of 2022 in Sindh and Balochistan, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Government of Japan have successfully concluded a vital project, reaching over half a million individuals with life-saving services and information.
With a generous contribution of $1.85 million from the Government of Japan, UNFPA focused on expanding emergency interventions to provide critical sexual and reproductive health services and survivor-centered gender-based violence support in seven severely affected districts.
The targeted areas included Qambar Shahdadkot, Naushahro Feroz, Khairpur, Larkana, and Dadu in Sindh, as well as Lasbela and Jhal Magsi in Balochistan.
At the project’s closing ceremony on March 7, 2024, Ambassador of Japan Wada Mitsuhiro emphasized the importance of prioritizing the health and safety of women and girls in crisis situations. He reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to promoting women’s rights and combating gender-based violence, highlighting the significance of Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) in sustainable development efforts.
Dr. Luay Shabaneh, UNFPA Representative, acknowledged the disproportionate impact of disasters on women and girls, stressing the urgent need for targeted assistance. He expressed gratitude for Japan’s support, which enabled UNFPA to address the immediate needs of women and girls affected by the floods.
As the Chief Guest of the ceremony, Dr. Sabina Durrani, Director General of the National Health Emergency Preparedness & Response Network, emphasized the importance of proactive measures to build resilience in disaster-prone countries like Pakistan. She commended Japan’s longstanding support and highlighted the critical role of organizations like UNFPA in advancing maternal health and family planning initiatives.
Project Highlights
- As part of the project, 12 Women and Girl’s Friendly Spaces (WGFS) were established to provide psycho-social support and referrals for protection services.
- 37 health facilities received support to ensure the continuation of essential sexual and reproductive health services.
- These facilities resulted in the safe delivery of over 15,000 babies and the provision of contraceptive commodities to more than 50,000 women.
- The initiative also reached nearly 450,000 individuals with crucial information on health services, gender-based violence prevention, and family planning, while distributing women dignity kits and newborn baby kits to those in need.