From Olukayode Idowu, Maiduguri
SUNRISE NEWS, Borno, Sept 25, 2020 The United Nations Population Fund has set apart the 25th of every month as Orange Day as part of UNiTE to end violence End against women campaign.
The UNFPA, in conjunction with the government of Korea, has also donated mini ambulances to Borno State Government towards the state’s maternal healthcare.
A publication by UNFPA said the 14 mini ambulance donated to Borno State, a project financed by Korea International Cooperation Agency, will strengthen maternal and child healthcare intervention, through enhancing access and supporting other sexual and reproductive health (SRH)/ gender based violence (GBV) referrals within hard-to-reach and scattered settlements of Konduga, MMC, Jere and part of Mafa.
Speaking at the launching of medical consumables and ambulances for distribution to 75 primary and secondary health centres in the state by Borno State Government, Midala Balami of UNFPA Borno office said 14 ambulance riders were trained on basic sexual reproductive services, identification of danger signs in pregnancy, gender based violence guiding principles including protection from sexual exploitation and abuse, and how best to provide emergency support to women and girls in different location.
He also disclosed that UNFPA supported three days maternal perinatal dead review and response (MPDSR) meeting at the state level aimed at reducing maternal and child mortality and morbidity.
Balami said as part of the $5 million financing from KOICA a state of art fully equipped obstetric fistula centre of excellence comprises of a theatre and 40-bed capacity post-operative ward unit was established in state specialist hospital, Maiduguri, Borno State; state of art, one-stop centre for comprises of safe shelter, skills and empowerment unit to support vulnerable women and girls located in Budum area.
He said eight integrated facilities including safe spaces for women and girls for provision of sexual reproductive health service and gender based violence, among others.
On the Orange Day, UNFPA Resident Representative Nigeria, Ms. Ulla Mueller said: “UNFPA is launching the Orange Day Campaign as part of its efforts to increase awareness and to mobilize communities to stand in solidarity against gender based violence and harmful practices.”
She added that: “It aims to maintain global awareness of campaign to prevent and end violence against women & girls by highlighting related issues. We are super excited about this initiative as it translates to sustained efforts to stamp out violence against women and girls.“
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency with the mission to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.