The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has delivered supplies to the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Women Community and Social Development in response to requests for assistance.

The two Government Ministries had put in request for women and girls to continue to have access to sexual reproductive health (S.R.H.) commodities during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as health equipment.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony on Thursday, the M.W.C.S.D. Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mema Motusaga thanked the UNFPA on behalf of her Minister, Leota Laki Lamositele.

"I want to acknowledge and thank you sincerely. I also speak on behalf of the women of Samoa and of our girls to thank UNFPA and our colleagues who are here today for your generosity through these dignity kits, thank you so much," the C.E.O. said. 

"We pray that your purse will still be open so that our women and girls will benefit through our partnership, God bless you all and thank you for this opportunity."

The hygiene packs will be beneficial for all young women and girls in Samoa during the pandemic, according to Dr. Mema, as it will prepare them for their future and when they decide to have their own families.

The M.O.H. Deputy Director General and Acting Director General, Tagaloa Dr. Robert Thompson, also thanked the UN agency and said they looked forward to continue working with the UNFPA.

"We are looking forward to continuing our work with the UNFPA as well as the support provided by the Ministry of Health to the people of Samoa especially through its family planning support and services." 

Representing the UNFPA during the presentation ceremony, Program Specialist, Sara Falatoese Sua assured of the continued support of the UN agency for Samoa through its various programmes.  

"UNFPA has been committed to supporting the Government's efforts on family planning, maternal and child health, antenatal care, youth friendly health services, S.R.H. and gender-based violence in Samoa," she said. 

She said this commitment by the UNFPA is demonstrated through its humanitarian and crisis response program through the handing over of supplies to the M.O.H. and the M.W.C.S.D. 

The sexual reproductive health supplies are intended for women and girls in emergency situations, especially vulnerable women with disabilities. The UNFPA Pacific and Samoa office received 1,350 Pacific customised dignity kits and 100 Dignity kits for women with disabilities.

The M.O.H. received supplies of personal protective equipment (P.P.E.) which include isolation gowns, disposable face masks and hand sanitisers as well as high performance tents in support of the Ministry's efforts to continue family planning and S.R.H. services during the pandemic.