The United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) Asia Pacific Regional Director, Pio Smith is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka from February 28 to March 01, 2024.
Issuing a statement, UNFPA Sri Lanka said this visit reaffirms UNFPA’s dedication to supporting Sri Lankan communities, particularly focusing on women, girls, youth, and communities, ensuring access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and combating gender-based violence (GBV).
During his visit, Smith will hold discussions with policymakers, government officials, civil society, and key partners to enhance collaboration at the national level and advocate for the rights of women and girls. Additionally, he will visit grassroots communities to assess their needs firsthand and identify areas for effective UNFPA support.
UNFPA Sri Lanka sustains its enduring collaboration with the Government of Sri Lanka and diverse stakeholders island-wide, driving progress in health, education, and gender equality.
“Our dedication to championing comprehensive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, encompassing family planning and maternal and neonatal healthcare, stands firm, aligning with our commitment to the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) agenda. ICPD30 holds significant importance for Sri Lanka, symbolizing the nation’s steadfast dedication to promoting human rights, gender equality, and sustainable development. Since the historic ICPD conference in 1994, Sri Lanka has adopted a comprehensive approach to reproductive health and family planning, ensuring accessible information and services to enable informed decision-making,” it said.
In this regard, UNFPA Sri Lanka, with support from donors and implementing partners, has initiated mobile health clinics to deliver comprehensive maternal and reproductive health services to those left furthest behind. UNFPA Sri Lanka delivers maternity and dignity kits to pregnant women and girls ensuring access to essential items in times of crisis. In terms of SRHR, comprehensive sexuality education, youth-friendly health services, and …read more
Source:: News Wire