The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Nepal , on Monday, launched a one year project to deliver mobile reproductive health services to conflict-affected populations.
Funded by Japan , the aim of the programme is to organise reproductive health camps in six districts of the far-western and mid-western regions of Nepal , serving close to 25,000 women of reproductive age, and men and adolescents affected by conflict, according to press release issued by UNFPA.
The reproductive health camps will provide essential reproductive health services, counseling, lab tests, treatment, referral and surgical care, all of which are urgently needed.
At a programme organised in the capital to launch the service, Japanese ambassador Tsutomu Hiraoka spoke about the importance of reproductive health services in rural areas of Nepal, especially conflict affected areas, where people lack access to basic medical and reproductive health services and information.
"Nepal has some of the poorest reproductive health indicators in the world. Nepal's rural reproductive health suffers from modestly trained staff, staff absenteeism, shortfalls in equipment and drugs, limited support to community based staff, a poor referral system, and cultural and geographical barriers. The conflict has exacerbated these problems," the release adds.
"The project will address immediate reproductive health needs of women, men and adolescents in both peri-urban and remote areas of conflict affected districts, while permanent services are being developed," says Junko Sazaki, UNFPA Representative. "Bringing reproductive health services to conflict-affected villages and communities will not only improve the health status of the most vulnerable populations, but will also build hope and belief in the overall development, fostering confidence in the peace building process".
By increasing access to reproductive health services this project will also contribute to the promotion of human rights, empowerment of youth and women, and achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) 1, 3, 5 and 6, the release adds.