UNFPA hands over reproductive health kits to Balochistan Health Department

QUETTA: To make maternal and child health services in Balochistan more effective, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), with the support of the government of China, handed over inter-agency reproductive health kits to the provincial Health Department.

At a ceremony held for the purpose, UNFPA’s provincial head, Ms Sadia Atta, handed the kits to Health Department officials. Director General Health Services Dr Ameen Mandokhail and the provincial coordinator of the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) programme, Dr Gul Sabeen Azam, received them. Director Public Health Dr Asif Shahwani was also present.

The medical supplies were provided after a detailed, evidence-based assessment of the needs of health facilities in the district of Khuzdar, Turbat (Kech) and Loralai.

Timely medical help during childbirth

The kits are meant to ensure a steady supply of medical services during childbirth and to make emergency obstetric care and reproductive health services more effective. They will help provide mothers and newborns in the districts concerned with timely and essential medical aid.

MNCH programme provincial coordinator Dr Gul Sabeen Azam said protecting the health of mothers and children was an important part of the public health system, and the availability of timely medical facilities was essential for it. She said the supply of reproductive health kits would help meet emergency medical needs during childbirth in the districts concerned and improve health facilities.

According to Dr Gul Sabeen Azam, giving women and newborns living in remote areas access to quality medical services is among the main priorities of the MNCH programme. She expressed hope that, with the support of UNFPA and the government of China, the capacity of medical staff would grow and efforts to protect maternal and child health would be strengthened further.

Cooperation appreciated

Health officials appreciated the partnership between UNFPA and the government of China. They said such cooperation would help meet key needs at health facilities, build the capacity of local medical staff and further strengthen the health system in Balochistan.

The services and efforts of the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) programme were also appreciated on the occasion.

Photo: Courtesy DGPR Balochistan