The UK government has announced a new funding initiative aimed at addressing the critical sexual and reproductive healthcare crisis in Gaza. With an allocation of £4.25 million in UK aid, the initiative seeks to provide life-saving support to vulnerable women and girls in Gaza through the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, UNFPA.
The UK Foreign Office in a statement said, this funding is anticipated to reach approximately 111,500 women, constituting roughly 1 in 5 of the adult female population in Gaza. It will facilitate the support of up to 100 community midwives, as well as the distribution of around 20,000 menstrual hygiene management kits and 45,000 clean delivery kits.
Foreign Secretary David Cameron confirmed the additional funding in response to a UN flash appeal for the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Cameron highlighted the dire situation faced by women and girls in Gaza, particularly concerning disease, pregnancy complications, and gender-based violence. Currently, only 13 out of 36 hospitals are partially functional, with one specialist maternity hospital operational.
In his statement released the UK Foreign Secretary also emphasized the urgent need for a cessation of hostilities to allow for the safe release of hostages, increased aid delivery, and effective operation of organizations like UNFPA.
Additionally, on UK’s fund allocation, UNFPA Executive Director, Dr. Natalia Kanem said, “The support of the United Kingdom and other partners is vital to get lifesaving resources directly to women and girls in desperate need.”
She underscored the critical importance of the UK’s support and the assistance of other partners in providing life-saving resources directly to women and girls in Gaza. UNFPA has been actively providing reproductive health supplies, psychosocial support, and financial assistance to vulnerable women amidst the ongoing crisis.
It is pertinent to note that, UNFPA is providing life-saving reproductive health supplies for women and girls in Gaza. Since the most recent crisis began, UNFPA has provided nearly 74,000 adolescents and children with psychosocial support and financial support for over 2,000 vulnerable women at risk of gender-based violence to purchase essential menstrual and hygiene items.
