UNFPA, Japan provide medication to bridge gap in critical sexual, reproductive health needs

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) together with the Government of Japan handed over three months’ worth of life-saving medication and medical supplies critical for upholding the sexual and reproductive health of women and girls to the Ministry of Health.

Sri Lanka’s socio-economic crisis has resulted in a lack of several vital and essential drugs and medical commodities in public hospitals with more drugs expected to go out of stock in the next 2-3 months. This gravely impacts the delivery of sexual and reproductive health services, including maternal healthcare and access to contraception. The lack of essential medication and supplies could threaten the lives of 215,000 pregnant women; 11,000 of which are adolescent girls.

The contribution of medication and supplies including Oxytocin, Misoprostol and Magnesium Sulphate along with commodities such as Syphilis test kits and condoms will ensure the reproductive health needs of women and girls in Sri Lanka are met for the next 3-6 months. 

Japan Ambassador Mizukoshi Hideaki said: “I am glad that our support through this project implemented by UNFPA will be utilised by the youth and women in this country. Japan would like to continue to support the people of Sri Lanka in different areas of cooperation and stay side-by-side during this challenging time in order to further strengthen the friendship between Sri Lanka and Japan.”

Health Minister Dr. Keheliya Rambukwella said: “Essential medication is a critical need for Sri Lanka right now and the medication and supplies provided will save lives and lessen the financial burden on the health sector during this critical period.”

The contribution, made possible with the support of the Government of Japan, is part of UNFPA’s overall response to the crisis to meet the critical health and protection needs of the most vulnerable women and girls. To continue its response for the rest of the year, UNFPA has called for urgent assistance in Sri Lanka and has appealed for an additional $ 10.7 million to reach the needs of two million women and girls over the next six months.

“Together with our partners, UNFPA will continue to prioritise the critical health and protection needs of women and girls and reduce the long-term repercussions of the ongoing crisis,” UNFPA Representative in Sri Lanka Kunle Adeniyi said.

With over 50 years of operational presence in Sri Lanka, UNFPA is leading efforts to uphold the health and protection rights of women and girls. Together with its partners on the ground, UNFPA remains committed to ensuring the needs of the most vulnerable are addressed.