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Joint Press Release
Japan provides ambulance to save lives of internally displaced women in South Sudan through UNFPA
LAKE STATES, South Sudan — The Government of Japan, based on its commitment to universal health and through partnership with the United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA, delivered an ambulance to health facilities to support emergency obstetric care services in Mingkaman, Lake States, where more than 100,000 internally displaced persons live.
The ambulance, which was received by the Governor of Lakes State Hon. Matur Chut Dhuol in the presence of the Minister of Health Dr. Riek Kok and thousands of internally displaced persons, is part of the project Strengthening Emergency Obstetric Care in Humanitarian Hotspots in South Sudan, which is funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by UNFPA. The ambulance will be managed by international NGO Interchurch Medical Aid (IMA) and will provide desperately needed transport for internally displaced women to reach life-saving maternal health services.
“UNFPA plays a vital role in increasing access of pregnant women to health facilities as well as responding to sexual violence in the conflict-affected areas of South Sudan,” said Takeshi Akamatsu, Ambassador of Japan. “The presentation of the ambulance complements Japan’s commitment to universal health coverage and ending sexual violence in the conflict.”
Since February 2014, the $1.2 million project has provided health services in view of reducing maternal mortality and morbidity through strengthing existing health facilities and building the capacity of community health workers in some of the most conflict-affected areas.
“The funding from the Government of Japan comes at a critical time for the women of South Sudan. Japan’s priorities of saving women’s and children’s lives is directly in line with UNFPA’s current humanitarian response, which focuses on increased access to maternal health care as one of its flagship goals,” said Barnabas Yisa, UNFPA Country Representative for South Sudan.
UNFPA estimates that 30,000 women are at risk of dying in childbirth due to complications and 300,000 pregnant women will need urgent care in South Sudan in 2014.
For more information, please contact the following:
Barnabas Yisa, UNFPA Country Representative, South Sudan: +95 6444486; yisa@unfpa.org
Hisako Ishizaki, First Secretary, Embassy of Japan: +95 9003152; hisako.ishizaki@mofa.go.jp
