Islamabad : H.E. Wada Mitsuhiro, Japan’s ambassador, said: “With damaged infrastructure and disrupted health services, we recognized that the situation is dire for pregnant women and the risks of gender-based violence are increasing. We, the Japanese government, have therefore prioritized life-saving sexual and reproductive health care services for pregnant women and prevention of gender-based violence in flood-affected areas. The Government of H.E. Wada Mitsuhiro, Japan’s ambassador, said: “With damaged infrastructure and disrupted health services, we recognized that the situation is dire for pregnant women and the risks of gender-based violence are increasing. We, the Japanese government, have therefore prioritized life-saving sexual and reproductive health care services for pregnant women and prevention of gender-based violence in flood-affected areas. The Japanese government is committed to ensuring women’s human rights and combating all forms of gender-based violence. Women, peace and security (WPS) are a fundamental pillar of sustainable development.” Women, peace and security (WPS) are a fundamental pillar of sustainable development.
UNFPA and the Government of Japan successfully completed a joint project to scale up emergency relief responses to meet the needs of women and girls in seven districts of Sindh and Balochistan severely affected by the 2022 floods.
The Government of Japan has provided UNFPA with generous support of US$1.85 million to reach the most vulnerable women and girls in areas where health and protection services and infrastructure have been damaged. The initiative focused on providing life-saving sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence mitigation and survivorship services to women and girls. The project was implemented in Qambar Shahdadkot, Naushahro Feroz, Khairpur, Larkana and Dadu districts of Sindh and Lasbela and Jhal Magsi districts of Balochistan.
In a speech to the audience, Dr. Luay Shabaneh, UNFPA representative, said: “The floods were catastrophic and had a bad impact on the private lives of women and girls, including those who were pregnant or with disabilities. Women bear the brunt of disasters and are the last to receive aid. Most responses focus on shelter and food, and the silent suffering of women and girls remains invisible. We acknowledge and appreciate the support of the Japanese government through which the most urgent needs of women and girls have been prioritized.
The chief guest of the ceremony, Dr. Sabina Durrani, Director General of the National Health Emergency Readiness & Response Network said, “Pakistan and the Japanese government have a long-standing relationship. Japan has always been there for Pakistan in times of crisis and emergencies. Pakistan is also a disaster-prone country, so we need to take a proactive approach to investing in preparedness and resilience. This will reduce response costs.”
She also appreciated UNFPA’s support to the Government of Pakistan in maternal health and family planning.
The project established twelve Women and Girls Friendly Spaces (WGFS) to provide women and girls with psychosocial support and referrals to protective services. Thirty-seven health facilities were supported with equipment and commodities to help them continue to provide basic sexual and reproductive health services. This enabled the safe birth of more than 15,000 children and the provision of contraceptives to more than 50,000 women. Almost 450,000 people were reached with information about health services, gender-based violence and family planning. Women’s dignity kits and newborn kits were also distributed.
