WINDHOEK, Namibia - The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) with partners continues to support sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and gender based violence (GBV) services, risk communication, and supplies.

In today’s handover ceremony of COVID-19 personal protective equipment (PPE) to the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service (MSYNS), UNFPA and the Embassy of Switzerland in South Africa presented PPE to the total value of N$ 94,347.75.

The items include disinfecting and sanitising solutions, infrared temperature devices, disposable gloves, spray bottles, duck tapes and masks to ensure that instructors and trainees are able to continue learning in a safe space. Information, education and communication (IEC) materials have also been provided. 

The MSYNS’s youth skills training programmes for youth between 18 and 34 years at both Training Centres and Resource Centres have been on a standstill due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Noting the challenge posed by the spread of the virus, UNFPA stepped in to support. 

I want to assure you that this support will be put to good use and will not only benefit young people that are coming for the training programmes but disinfecting the centers also means that more young people will access services at these centers.

We again commend the persistent, collaborative effort from the Government of Switzerland for its continued support to Namibia’s response to the COVID-19 Gender Based Violence-Sexual and Reproductive Health(GBV-SRH) Project with UNFPA.

Mr. Urs Gamma, Honorary Consul General of Switzerland stated that his government believes in multilateral cooperation and solidarity which is essential to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people and to define approaches tailored to local contexts.

“As the UN turns 75, with only nine years remaining to make the 2030 Agenda a reality for all, meaningful youth engagement and participation are crucial to accelerate the action needed to achieve the sustainable development,” UNFPA Country Representative, Ms. Dennia Gayle, stressed.

Upon receiving the items on behalf of the Ministry, Hon. Agnes Tjongarero, showed sincere appreciation highlighting that the PPE will benefit eight multi-purpose centers and resource centers namely Katima Mulilo, Gobabis, Opuwo, Okakarara, Windhoek, Okahao, Eenhana and Outapi.

“I want to assure you that this support will be put to good use and will not only benefit young people that are coming for the training programmes but disinfecting the centers also means that more young people will access services at these centers, she expressed.

Hon. Emma Kantema-Gaomas, MSYNS Deputy Minister was also in attendance and concluded with: “For us as much as we have this pandemic, we have partners like UNFPA, our ‘all-weather friend’ to count on.”

The Ministry will be responsible for ensuring the PPE they receive are further distributed to the centers country wide. Now more than ever, it’s clear that only through partnership and cooperation can we ensure spaces that adhere to safety protocols for all young people to prosper.