The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) will receive an additional $US1.6 million ($F3.65m) in grant aid from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA).
This will allow for a new phase of UNFPA Pacific’s humanitarian action, which aims to improve emergency preparedness and response for Pacific Island countries vulnerable to climate-induced and other disasters, especially for women and adolescents.
In a media statement, UNFPA Pacific director and country representative in Fiji Iori Kato said they were grateful to USAID for its generous continuation in increasing funding support.
“It will enable UNFPA Pacific to accelerate its contributions to Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in addressing special needs of women of reproductive age including pregnant women and adolescent girls, and persons with disabilities during emergencies,” Mr Kato said.
“When a climate crisis or health pandemic hits, these women will require life-saving services including their maternal health, or treatment for sexual violence and psychosocial support.”
USAID mission director for the Pacific Islands Zema Semunegus said in times of disaster, the continuity of critical lifeline services could help mitigate impacts and support a faster road to recovery for affected communities.
“The US Government, through USAID, will work side by side with UNFPA and Pacific Island governments to ensure that women, girls and other vulnerable groups’ protection and sexual and reproductive health concerns are prioritised in disaster preparedness and response efforts,” she said.
The USAID/BHA-funded Humanitarian Preparedness and Response Programme Phase II is a part of UNFPA’s new 7th Multi-Country Programme for 14 Pacific Island Countries and Territories (2023-2027), implemented through UNFPA Pacific Sub-Regional Office (PSRO) in Fiji and other country offices across the region.
