KAMPALA, Uganda – November 21, 2024, marked a significant milestone in Uganda’s humanitarian efforts as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Government of Japan handed over a fully-equipped ambulance to ACORD, an implementing partner of UNFPA and humanitarian supplies to support the referral system in the West Nile districts of Madi-Okollo and Terego.
The ambulance was procured under the Delivering Lifesaving Integrated Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Interventions in Emergency (DELISIE) project, a 12-month initiative funded by the Government of Japan through the Japanese Supplementary Budget (FY23/24), totaling USD 1,001,855.
Japanese Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Sasayama Takuya reaffirmed their commitment to human security and peace, core pillars of his foreign policy. “One tangible manifestation of this commitment is our steadfast support for sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence interventions.”
He explained that the ambulance they donated symbolizes their strong partnership with UNFPA and the people of Uganda. “It represents our collective resolve to ensure vulnerable populations receive critical healthcare services during times of crisis.”
Ambassador is confident that this ambulance will have a profound impact on the local community, bridging gaps in emergency care and safeguarding the well-being of those who need it most.
“Through initiatives like this, we uphold our pledge to leave no one behind, prioritizing the dignity, health, and resilience of individuals and communities affected by conflict and displacement.”
“Together with UNFPA, we will continue to champion human security, peace, and the unconditional right to healthcare for all.”
According to Ms. Gift Malunga, UNFPA Uganda Representative, “Every mother saved is a family preserved, every life protected is a community strengthened, and every dignity upheld is a future empowered. Today’s event symbolizes hope, care, and our collective efforts to make a difference in the lives of those affected by crises.”
She noted that the ambulance and humanitarian supplies, funded by the Government of Japan, will improve referral systems between health facilities in refugee settlements in the two districts by facilitating emergency care, psychosocial support, family planning, and maternal health services.
Since 2013, UNFPA has been at the forefront of supporting humanitarian response in Uganda, with a special focus on sexual reproductive health and GBV prevention and response. The organization’s efforts have yielded significant results, including:
- 37,367 pregnant women referred for EmONC through the strengthened ambulance system in 2023.
- 136,046 births attended by skilled health personnel in target districts in humanitarian settings in 2023.
- 62,174 pregnancies mapped and linked to care, including using the pregnancy mapping app, in humanitarian settings in 2023.
- 273,682 mothers received family planning in the postpartum period in 2023.
Despite these achievements, Malunga says the needs of thousands of vulnerable women, girls, men, and boys affected by crises remain unmet.
“UNFPA remains committed to working with the Government of Uganda, districts, other UN agencies, development partners, implementing partners, and all stakeholders to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.”
She emphasized, “We must intensify our efforts to ensure that no one is left behind. Together, let us continue to ensure zero preventable maternal deaths, zero unmet need for family planning, and zero gender-based violence and harmful practices.”
Ms. Olema Annet, Principal Assistant CAO for Terego District, expressed heartfelt appreciation to UNFPA for their unwavering support in enhancing maternal health in Terego.
“We are deeply grateful for UNFPA’s invaluable contributions to our district,” Olema said. “The recruitment of five midwives has significantly bolstered our human resources, enabling us to provide critical services to both refugees and host communities.”
Terego District faces unique challenges, including the absence of a hospital, resulting in high referral rates, particularly for maternal healthcare. She says the ambulance donated is a timely solution to this pressing issue.
“This ambulance will be instrumental in saving the lives of mothers in our district,” Olema emphasized. “I commit to ensuring that the ambulance and accompanying human resources are utilized effectively and supervised diligently.”
With this ambulance, emergency obstetric emergency referrals will be facilitated in Terego and Madi-Okollo districts, currently receiving new refugees. This initiative reflects the shared commitment of UNFPA and the Government of Japan to protecting the rights and choices of all vulnerable populations.
