The United Nations Population Fund handed over supplies and medicines for safer pregnancy and childbirth, hygiene and contraceptive kits to the National Department of Health in Port Moresby.
The supplies are purposely for earthquake affected provinces of Hela and Southern Highlands.
The supplies also include medicines for the response to and treatment of sexually transmitted infections and rape, family planning kits such as male and female condoms, oral contraceptive pills and implants at the value of US$ 1.75 million.
The reproductive health kits include medicines and disposable items for conducting safe and clean deliveries for pregnant women through skilled birth attendants.
The dignity kits contain toiletries for women and girls of reproductive age.
UNFPA Country Representative Koffi Kouame said UNFPA is the United Nations’ sexual and reproductive health agency; it is the lead agency providing assistance therefore these supplies and commodities ensures services continue for women and girls in the emergency areas.
With a low contraceptive prevalence rate, high maternal and pregnancy related deaths, low coverage of family planning and gender-based violence, UNFPA is providing assistance to the PNG government, especially the health department.
The supplies were received by Secretary of Health Department Pascoe Kase, who expressed gratitude and further described the donations as timely, especially at a time when the health sector is faced with numerous challenges.
The special needs of women and girls during emergencies are key humanitarian response.
The kits will cater for the needs of 10,000 people for a period of 3 months.