South Korea, UNFPA join forces to transform Somalia women and girls’ healthcare
UNFPA delegates during a session in Mogadishu.
What you need to know:
- By empowering communities with the knowledge and resources needed to effectively manage SRH and GBV issues, the project not only tackles immediate health challenges but also fosters long-term resilience and self-sufficiency.
- This collaborative effort between South Korea and UNFPA exemplifies a dynamic and holistic approach to healthcare and tackle GBV, aiming to create enduring change and provide a beacon of hope for the future of Somalia’s women and girls.
In a landmark partnership, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) unveiled a groundbreaking initiative on October 22, 2024, aimed at dramatically improving healthcare for women and girls in Somalia.
This initiative, entitled "Programme to Provide Lifesaving and Integrated SRH and GBV Services in Humanitarian Settings in the Africa Region," marks a significant step in addressing healthcare disparities in one of the world's most vulnerable regions.
Dr Mary Otieno, currently serving as the UNFPA Representative to Somalia, articulated the essence of the project during the launch, emphasizing its critical role in building healthier communities. "Access to health services is not just a right; it’s a lifeline," Dr Otieno remarked, underscoring the project's potential to touch the lives of approximately 540,000 individuals throughout Somalia.
Echoing the commitment, Jang Hee Im, Director of KOICA’s Kenya office, shared insights from Nairobi via a virtual connection. He highlighted the initiative's broader impact on KOICA's ongoing efforts across Africa, including vital projects in Mali, South Sudan and the Central African Republic.
"This initiative not only addresses immediate health needs but also lays the groundwork for long-term change across Africa," Director Im stated, reaffirming South Korea's dedication to empowering vulnerable communities continent-wide.
Spanning four years (2024 to 2027), the initiative is strategically designed to boost the availability and quality of essential sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and gender-based violence (GBV) services. It aligns with global objectives aimed at eradicating the unmet need for family planning, preventing maternal deaths and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices.
The project is particularly focused on women and girls in humanitarian settings, especially those in areas of protracted crisis. It seeks to enhance their well-being through increased access to vital health services. By improving SRH services, the initiative aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates in crisis-affected areas and control unwanted pregnancies, thus minimizing health risks associated with childbirth.
Moreover, the initiative promises to empower women and girls by providing critical SRH and GBV services, enhancing their autonomy over their reproductive health and choices.
It also addresses the pervasive issue of gender-based violence with preventative and responsive measures intended to decrease its prevalence in crisis settings.
A key component of the initiative is the capacity building of healthcare providers, which aims to fortify local health systems and ensure the sustainability of health service delivery.
By empowering communities with the knowledge and resources needed to effectively manage SRH and GBV issues, the project not only tackles immediate health challenges but also fosters long-term resilience and self-sufficiency.
This collaborative effort between South Korea and UNFPA exemplifies a dynamic and holistic approach to healthcare and tackle GBV, aiming to create enduring change and provide a beacon of hope for the future of Somalia’s women and girls.
