UNFPA Donates Reproductive Health Supplies to Save Lives in Central African Republic

BANGUI, Central African Republic — Fierce fighting between rebel troops and Central African armed forces beginning in March has left widespread insecurity in the country. Cases of collective sexual violence and massive looting of public offices, housing and health facilities were reported, resulting in a massive internal displacement of populations and a drastic shortage of essential medicines, medical equipment and supplies in health centres meant to welcome and provide care to many victims of this crisis.

To meet the urgent needs of civilians stricken by this political and military crisis, UNFPA has donated reproductive health supplies to six health centres of Bangui, the capital, and its surroundings: Castors, Bimbo, Ouango, Yombo, Guitangola and Kokoro-Boeing.

The UNFPA donations include thousands of clean delivery kits, male and female condoms, medicines, and other life-saving supplies for women and newborns. The supplies cover the needs of a target population of 450,000 victims of the clashes. They were received by the directors of the beneficiary health units in the presence of the heads of maternity services. The recipients pledged to use these kits to alleviate the suffering of the affected communities and save many lives.