Government commends UNFPA for sexual and reproductive health support

The Director General for the National Bureau of Statistics, Augustino Ting Mayai, has commended the support provided by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to promote sexual and reproductive health.
Michael Rymek, head of cooperation, embassy of Canada (L), Augustino Ting Mayai, Director General, National Bureau of statistics (M) and Christine Fossen, United Nations Police commissioner(R)

By Simon Deng

The Director General for the National Bureau of Statistics, Augustino Ting Mayai, has commended the support provided by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to promote sexual and reproductive health.

“The work of UNFPA in areas of sexual and reproductive health and gender- based violence has been particularly crucial in ensuring dignity, safety and wellbeing of our women, girls and other vulnerable groups,” said Mayai on Wednesday at event held at the open house event UN House in Juba.

The main aim of the Open House event aimed to showcase the results and achievements of UNFPA South Sudan’s intervention in the fields of sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR), maternal health, gender-based violence prevention and response, youth development, population data and gender equality to partners, donors and other stakeholders.

Mayai said that the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare is working towards putting in place policies and laws that will protect young people, adding that the policy position will be taken to the parliament for enactment.

He also said that UNFPA has dedicated resources to improve the country’s statistical system which will in turn enable the leadership to make informed policies, governance, planning and service delivery.

Mayai noted that the effect of conflict, climatic shocks and humanitarian crisis have deeply impacted communities, adding that UNFPA support is incredibly desired from providing critical humanitarian response to addressing the needs of adolescent and youth.

Sarah Masale, the Country Representative for UNFPA said their humanitarian interventions have made impacts on young women, adolescents and to the most vulnerable groups across the country. 

“This exhibit tells stories of women and men whose lives have been impacted by progress and intervention we have supported, stories of resilience, hopes and progress in some of the most challenging context. There is still much more to be done to attain development aspirations of this country and to protect and promote women and girls’ rights,” said Masale.

Michael Rymek, Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Canada in South Sudan, said that they will work to support improvement of the quality and accessibility of health services for the poorest and most vulnerable with particular focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights.

“Canada partnered over a decade ago with UNFPA in South Sudan to support positive health outcomes for women and girls, their families, their communities and especially in strengthening midwifery services,” said Rymek.

Christine Fossen, the United Nations Police Commissioner said they are working to protect the voiceless, children and women, adding that they are also working to support everyone to have their rights in place.

Fossen also said the progress made in ensuring sexual and reproductive health and rights for women and girls in humanitarian and development settings and preventing and responding to gender based violence has been transformative.

“UNFPA tireless efforts have brought hopes to so many especially the most vulnerable ones, ensuring that women and girls are empowered to make decisions about their body and about their future,” said Fossen.

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