Essential reproductive health care delivered to conflict-affected populations

The UNFPA Nepal recently launched a one-year project funded by the Government of Japan, to deliver mobile reproductive health services to conflict-affected populations. The aim is to organize 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. The camps will provide essential reproductive health services, counseling, lab tests, treatment, referral and surgical care, all of which are urgently needed.

According to UNFPA’s press release, Nepal has some of the poorest reproductive health indicators in the world and rural reproductive health in the country suffers from modestly trained staff, a poor referral system, and cultural and geographical barriers. Conflict has been exacerbating these problems.

Reproductive health has been recognized as a critical factor in the comprehensive development process. “This 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”, explained Junko Sazaki, UNFPA Representative in Nepal.

“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”.