WINDHOEK - Namibia, The Government of Japan together with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Namibia Country Office handed over health supplies critical for upholding the sexual and reproductive health of women and girls in Namibia to the Ministry of Health and Social Services.

The donation of contraceptives, reproductive health kits and maternal health devices on 20 October 2022 is part of the Japan-UNFPA Leaving No One Behind Project.

The project, funded by Japan, serves to contribute to the combating of gender-based violence (GBV) and as an emergency response intervention in the context of COVID-19. The project focuses on those farthest left behind, including vulnerable women and girls, particularly those living with disabilities, pregnant and lactating women, in and out of school youth and other groups susceptible to sexual and GBV.

 In Namibia we are very happy to work with the Namibian Government and other stakeholders, including UN agencies and support the people to meet their developmental challenges.

In his speech, the Japanese embassy in Namibia charge d’affairs Mr. Sadamoto Noriaki, highlighted the great importance that Japan attaches to the health needs of vulnerable and marginalized communities.

“The people of Japan pride themselves on many great values which are founded on principles of humanity and brotherhood. In Namibia we are very happy to work with the Namibian Government and other stakeholders, including UN agencies and support the people to meet their developmental challenges,” said Mr. Noriaki.

“As we are on a recovery from the aftermath of the unprecedented pandemic, it is increasingly necessary for the international community to strengthen cooperation in order to overcome the cries together and to promote human security for all,” Mr. Noriaki stated.

The availability of safe and accessible contraceptives and other health products is one of the most important areas for investments in public health. 

Receiving the donation on behalf of his ministry, health minister Hon. Dr. Kalumbi Shangula said Namibia’s long-standing partnership with Japan has been beneficial in many ways, dating back to pre-independence.

“The availability of safe and accessible contraceptives and other health products is one of the most important areas for investments in public health. This is because it is important to ensure that women and girls are provided with choices relating to reproductive health,’’ said Hon. Shangula.

UNFPA Namibia Officer in Charge, Ms. Loide Amkongo reiterated UNFPA’s commitment to support the government to achieve zero gender-based violence, zero preventable maternal deaths, zero new HIV infections, zero unmet need for family planning, and eliminate harmful practices.