The United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA has committed to re-equip the theater at Panyadoli HC III in Kiryandongo refugee settlement in Northern Uganda. The announcement was made by UNFPA Representative, Mr. Alain Sibenaler on 5th May, the International Day of the Midwife, during a visit to the facility where he found that several equipment that are used to carry out lifesaving operations for emergency obstetric complications were missing.

Mr. Sibenaler said that, “UNFPA will support the facility to establish a modern neonatal unit, procure assorted reproductive health equipment for the maternity, and will continue to support ambulance referral services for pregnant women with obstetric complications.” 

Mr. Sibenaler was part of the delegation that accompanied the Norwegian Minister for International Development, Mr. Dag-Inge Ulstein who was visiting Kiryandongo refugee settlement.

During the visit, Mr. Ulstein commended Uganda for the progressive refugee response policy saying that, “the world has much to learn from Uganda, especially how the country values refugees given the large numbers that come in within such as short time.”

Currently, Uganda is hosting 1,256,729 refugees and asylum seekers, according the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) April 2019 update. According to UNFPA, in humanitarian situations, an estimated one in five women and adolescent girls are likely to be pregnant.

Minister Ulstein said that Norway gives a holistic approach to refugee response and he was looking forward to learn more from Uganda’s trauma healing and psycho-social support initiatives.

Also part of the delegation the Norwegian ambassador to Uganda, Ms. Susan Eckey; the Hon. Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness and Response in charge of refugees, Hon. Musa Ecweru, and the UNHCR Representative, Mr. Joel Boutroue.

Compiled by Simon Ichumar, UNFPA Uganda