Japan, through UNFPA, invests in integrated and lifesaving reproductive health and youth services in Diwaniyah Governorate [EN/AR/KU] – Iraq

April 6, 2022; Baghdad, Iraq – The people of Japan contributed $777,592 to the UNFPA program in Diwaniyah Governorate.

The new grant will cover integrated life-saving reproductive health services and youth-related services for internally displaced people, returnees and the host community. UNFPA will benefit 300,000 people in the governorate with better access to reproductive health services and knowledge.

The fund will support the rehabilitation of hospitals in four major cities of the governorate and capacity building for health professionals serving this population. UNFPA will also provide psychosocial support and counseling services to adolescents and young people in centers, primary health care clinics and schools in Diwaniyah.

Japan’s Ambassador to the Republic of Iraq, HE Suzuki Kotaro said, “Japan has consistently supported the people of Iraq through various humanitarian aid since 2014, amounting to more than $600 million so far. “.

“I am confident that UNFPA will achieve the improvement of health and social services in Diwaniyah, supported by coordination with its authorities and communities, by carrying out this project and using its excellent expertise.”

Commenting on the grant, UNFPA Representative in Iraq, Dr. Rita Columbia, said, “Al-Diwaniyah Governorate is one of the poorest governorates in Iraq. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the situation and aggravated emotional, psychological and mental health issues, especially among adolescents and young people. I am grateful to the Japanese people for their commitment to improving the quality of life of the people of Diwaniyah and investing in their health, whether reproductive or mental.

Thanks to Japan, adolescents and young people will also have access to life skills education at youth centers for returnees and internally displaced people to cope with stress, frustration, emotions and to the problems of daily life.

UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is creating a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.

For more information or media requests, please contact: Salwa Moussa, Communications Specialist, smoussa@unfpa.org