Attachments
02 June, 2016: New Delhi/Colombo: The International Planned Parenthood Federation through its humanitarian assistance program, the SPRINT Initiative, is providing Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services to the flood and landslide affected people of the island country of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka has been experiencing incessant rains resulting in flash floods and landslides since May 14, 2016. It has been estimated that almost half a million people have been affected. According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) of Sri Lanka, the death toll figures have already reached 102, and as rescue operations are still underway, this number is expected to increase in the coming days. Fresh rains are posing a hindrance in rescue efforts.
The Sri Lankan government has built a robust disaster preparedness and health care system, post the 2004 tsunami. At the onset of the disaster, the Sri Lankan Government called for inter-agency coordination meetings to discuss and formulate relief and rescue operations, and has prioritized the SRH needs of the community along with providing basic healthcare aid.
“IPPF-SPRINT will work in co-ordination with the Red Cross Society, Ministry of Health (MoH), DMC and the IPPF’s member association, the Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka (FPASL). This assistance is being funded by the Australian Government. IPPF has mobilised AUD 50,000 for this 4-month response and will reach out to more than 15,000 people with key SRH services and aid,” said Aditi Ghosh, Director, IPPF-SPRINT.
“IPPF-SPRINT, along with FPASL, has conducted rapid assessments of the affected districts of Sri Lanka. Reproductive health services will be provided at government health clinics and psychosocial support and awareness sessions on STIs/HIV prevention, gender based violence, protection and family planning will be conducted. Dignity kits and contraceptives will be distributed and a referral system for survivors of sexual violence and complicated pregnancies will be established.” said Anjali Sen, Regional Director, IPPF-South Asia Region.
These activities will be supplemented by training sessions on the Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP), that will be conducted for all FPASL staff, project volunteers, outreach workers, and Red Cross and government officials working in the worst affected districts, to ensure the quality of the services and sustainability of the project.
IPPF-SPRINT will work in the districts of Colombo, Gampha, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Kilinichchi.
Focal Point Contact:NimishaGoswami, IPPF-SPRINT: NGoswami@ippfsar.org
MuraliMohana Reddy Kunduru, IPPF-SPRINT: MMRKunduru@ippfsar.org
Media Contact: DebanjanaChoudhuri: dchoudhuri@ippfsar.org
T: @2014Sprint FB: IPPF Global-SPRINT
The SPRINT Initiative is a Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) PRogrammeIN crisis and post-crisis siTuations. SPRINT ensures access to essential lifesaving SRH services for women, men and children in times of crises, a time when services are most needed yet are not prioritised or recognised by key humanitarian responders.
The SPRINT Initiative saves lives and delivers on behalf of the Australian Government aid program (DFAT: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade), which aims to provide more effective preparedness for and response to disasters and crises.
The Initiative is managed by the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) and represents its commitment to increasing access to SRH services for crisis-affected populations. The International Planned Parenthood Federation is a global service provider and a leading advocate of sexual and reproductive health and rights for all. It is a worldwide movement of national organisations working with and for communities and