Press Release
UNFPA Supports Mobile Health Clinics for Indian Quake Victims
07 February 2001
United Nations, New York – The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) announced today it is supporting 12 mobile health clinics in Gujarat State, India, and providing counselling support to women affected by the recent earthquake. Following a rapid needs assessment, identifying health sector needs in the entire state, UNFPA has dispatched emergency resources and additional personnel.
The mobile clinics are part of UNFPA’s current integrated population and development programmes in Gujarat State, which are now being refocused to help earthquake victims, especially pregnant women and newborn babies. The clinics will provide reproductive health care, including HIV prevention, and help ensure safe deliveries. The projects cover the five districts of Surendranagar, Kutch, Banaskantha, Sabarkantha and Dahod.
Three of the five districts were severely affected by the earthquake, which has resulted in the collapse of the district health system in Kutch, and severe damage in Surendranagar and Banaskantha Districts.
UNFPA works with governments, the United Nations system, and non-governmental organizations to provide quality reproductive health care and prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS, in conflict and disaster situations. The Fund also provides educational materials and training for health care professionals to build local capacity and strengthen current development efforts.
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UNFPA is the world’s largest multilateral source of population assistance. About a quarter of all population assistance from donor nations to developing countries is channelled through the Fund. Since it began operations in 1969, the Fund has provided about $5 billion in assistance to those countries.
Contact Information:
Abubakar Dungus
Tel.: +1 (212) 297-5031
Email: dungus@unfpa.org
