UNFPA – humanitarian sexual and reproductive health assistance in Sub-Saharan Africa

December 2023 - During conflicts natural disasters and other complex emergencies sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs must not be overlooked. It is essential to ensure the continued provision of life-saving interventions related to SRH services and protection from and response to sexual and gender-based violence. With Global Affairs Canada’s support the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) provides lifesaving sexual and reproductive health services and protection in 13 countries in sub-Saharan Africa through its members’ extensive network of community-based and local organizations. UNFPA and its partners provide comprehensive sexual gender-based violence response services strengthen local capacity to deliver them and raise awareness on key health issues and services in humanitarian contexts. Project activities include: (1) providing emergency obstetric care and sexual and reproductive health services to women and adolescent girls; (2) ensuring protection from and response to gender-based violence; and (3) providing health services supplies commodities and medication dignity kits and reproductive health kits to crisis-affected people.

The expected outcomes of this project include: (1) improved sexual and reproductive health of vulnerable populations; and (2) increased protection from and response to gender-based violence. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or acute food insecurity.