United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has called on the private sector to support pregnant internally displaced persons in the North-East.
UNFPA Country Representative in Nigeria, Ratidzai Ndhlovu made this call during the handing over ceremony of 400 birth kits to displaced persons in Borno State by Lagos-based Deluxe Childbirth Services.
Ndhlovu said “The UNFPA has been advocating for stronger partnerships and synergies including with the private sector in order to accelerate and improve humanitarian response in the region.
“Deluxe Childbirth Services, as part of her CSR responded quickly, to compliment UNFPA’s efforts to support child birth in emergencies.
“The event is coming just at the right time as UNFPA takes global leadership to commemorate this year’s World Population Day (WPD) of which the theme is ` Vulnerable Populations in Emergencies.’
“The particular focus is on women and adolescent girls.”As we commemorate the WPD here in Nigeria, the UNFPA is ready to redouble its efforts not only to ensure that pregnant survivors of insurgency have a safe, healthy and uninterrupted nine months journey to delivery.
“But also to ensure that a safe, clean and dignified delivery for both the mother and newborn.
“This is why, in addition to the comprehensive RH kits including clean delivery kits and hygiene kits that we have been distributing, the UNFPA has also started distributing Baby Packs.
“The Baby Packs we distribute to pregnant women contain all clothes and items that a mother needs for the newborn baby.
“We are appealing to the private sector to support us with baby packs and the list of items for this pack can be shared upon request.”
Julie Koenen, Acting Director, USAID/Nigeria added that “The U.S. Government will continue to support further collaboration between the private sector and the development community in Nigeria.
“All products will be distributed in three settlements for internally displaced persons in Maiduguri; UNFPA will train skilled birth attendants on their use.”