ISLAMABAD -UNS: UNFPA and the Government of Japan have successfully
completed a collaborative project of expanding the life-saving emergency interventions to
meet the needs of women and girls in seven districts, of Sindh and Balochistan, which were
badly impacted by the 2022 floods.
Government of Japan provided the generous support of 1.85 million US$ to UNFPA to reach
the most vulnerable women and girls in areas where services and infrastructure of health
and protection were damaged. The initiative focused on providing lifesaving sexual and
reproductive health services and survivor-centred gender-based violence mitigation and
response services to women and girls. The project was implemented in Qambar
Shahdadkot, Naushahro Feroz, Khairpur, Larkana and Dadu districts in Sindh and Lasbela
and Jhal Magsi districts in Balochistan.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, H.E. Wada Mitsuhiro, Ambassador of Japan, said ‘With
the infrastructure damaged and health services disrupted, we recognized the situation was
dire for pregnant women and risks of gender-based violence were increasing. We, the
Government of Japan, thus prioritized lifesaving sexual and reproductive healthcare services
for pregnant women and gender-based violence prevention in the flood affected areas. The
government of Japan is committed to ensuring women’s human rights and fighting against
all forms of gender-based violence. Women, Peace and Security (WPS) is a fundamental
pillar for sustainable development.’
Addressing the audience, Dr. Luay Shabaneh, UNFPA Representative said ‘The floods were
catastrophic and badly impacted the private life of women and girls including those who
were pregnant or with disabilities. Women bear the brunt of disasters and are the last to
receive the assistance. In most responses, the focus remains on shelters and food and the
silent suffering of women and girls remains invisible. We acknowledge and appreciate the
support of the Government of Japan through which the priority was given to the most
urgent needs of women and girls.’
Chief Guest of the ceremony, Dr. Sabina Durrani, Director General, National Health
Emergency Preparedness & Response Network said ‘Pakistan and the Government of Japan
has a long standing relationship. Japan has always been there for Pakistan in times of crisis
and emergencies. Pakistan is also a disaster-prone country and therefore we must take a
proactive approach to invest in preparedness and resilience. This will reduce the spending
on response.’ She also appreciated the support provided by UNFPA to the government of
Pakistan on maternal health and family planning.
Under the project, twelve Women and Girl’s Friendly Spaces (WGFS) were established to
provide women and girls with psycho-social support and referrals for protection services.
Thirty-seven health facilities were supported with equipment and commodities to help
continue the essential sexual and reproductive health services. This enabled safe deliveries
of more than 15,000 babies and provision of contraceptive commodities to more than
50,000 women. Almost 450,000 people were reached with information on health services,
gender-based violence and family planning.
