UNFPA and Government of Japan strengthen maternal healthcare in Sri Lanka with $ 5.3 m initiative

Friday, 11 April 2025 03:43 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in collaboration with the Government of Japan and the Health Ministry, has marked a significant milestone with the symbolic handover of essential medical and non-medical equipment, along with critical healthcare facility upgrades. This initiative, funded by Japan in the amount of $ 5.29 million, reinforces Sri Lanka’s commitment to enhancing maternal health and sexual and reproductive healthcare services, particularly for women and girls in vulnerable communities.

The official ceremony took place with the participation of key dignitaries, including Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka Akio Isomata, and UNFPA Representative in Sri Lanka Kunle Adeniyi. The event underscored the collective effort to ensure safe pregnancies, accessible family planning services, and improved maternal healthcare.

Through this initiative, 19 healthcare centres across Jaffna, Mannar, Kilinochchi, Batticaloa, and Nuwara Eliya have been renovated and furnished, benefitting over 5,368 individuals each month. The provision of modern cold storage units to the National STD/AIDS Control Programme (NSCAP) will safeguard life-saving medications for women and girls affected sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV. Additionally, 70 laptops and 40 desktop computers have been handed over to enhance healthcare data collection and management, ensuring timely medical interventions in the regions. Other non-medical IT equipment, including printers and projectors, have also been distributed among 11 health facilities in critical districts.

Speaking at the event, UNFPA Representative Kunle Adeniyi emphasised, “At UNFPA, we are committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s efforts in strengthening its healthcare system, ensuring that no woman or girl is left behind. Through investments in midwifery training, emergency response preparedness, and maternal health services, we strive to empower healthcare providers and create a future where every birth is safe, and every mother receives the care she deserves.”

Echoing this commitment, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka Akio Isomata, highlighted Japan’s longstanding partnership in improving healthcare services and reaffirmed continued support for initiatives that promote equitable access to maternal and reproductive health services. “Japan is honoured to support Sri Lanka in its efforts to strengthen maternal healthcare. Every mother and child deserve access to quality healthcare services, and we are committed to contributing to a healthier and more resilient future for all,” he stated.

Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa extended gratitude to UNFPA and the Government of Japan, noting that this initiative not only strengthens healthcare infrastructure but also empowers frontline health workers to deliver life-saving services more efficiently.

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