The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Vietnam on December 7 announced an additional US$800,000 is being made available from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to secure immediate support for women and girls in eight central provinces and Da Nang City.
The additional support has brought the total amount of the UN’s sexual and reproductive health agency support to US$1.34 million to date to respond to special health needs and gender-based violence against women and girls in central Vietnam, who have been severely affected by devastating floods and landslides.
Previously, on November 24, 5,704 dignity kits were handed over to the Central Committee of Vietnam Farmers’ Union for distribution to women who experience or are at risk of gender-based violence in the three floods-affected provinces of Ha Tinh, Quang Binh and Quang Nam.
On November 29, Thao Xuan Sung, Chairman of the Central Committee of Vietnam Farmers’ Union and Naomi Kitahara, UNFPA Representative in Vietnam, handed over these dignity kits to female farmers in Quang Nam province.
At least 5.5 million people in the central region have been affected by unprecedented flooding triggered by prolonged downpours and successive typhoons since early October, including over 1.3 million women of reproductive age and more than 92,000 pregnant women.
The UNFPA funding and support includes mobile and outreach healthcare clinics, the distribution of Dignity Kits with essential hygiene items, provision of vital maternal health equipment and supplies such as the Doppler Fetal Heart Rate Detector.
In addition, the UNFPA is sending communication materials to affected locations on how to manage pregnancy and child birth, how to respond to gender-based violence, and where to seek help particularly if faced with domestic violence.
“While fleeing natural disasters, people are in need of basic necessities – ranging from food and water to hygienic supplies and medical care. UNFPA is striving to assist the Government of Vietnam in restoring and improving the lives of the flood victims, particularly the most vulnerable,” said Naomi Kitahara.
The UN official added that UNFPA expresses it sympathy for victims and their families affected by the latest tragedy, especially women and girls. “This contribution underlines our solidarity with the people of Vietnam,” she said.
Source: Nhan Dan Online
