UNFPA and Kenya Red Cross join forces to deliver critical reproductive health supplies in ongoing El-Nino response

NAIROBI, Kenya Jan 25...The Recent climate-driven disasters which include devastating drought and floods swept through various regions of Kenya, have had a profound impact on the lives of women and girls. 

The disasters have exacerbated vulnerabilities in access to maternal healthcare, family planning, and the safety of those most susceptible to gender-based violence.

It has affected over 500,000 people, including 58,000 pregnant and lactating mothers, the United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA, and the Kenya Red Cross jointly flagged off the distribution of life-saving sexual and reproductive health supplies. 

This vital assistance includes 174,000 assorted reproductive health kits and hygiene kits distributed supplies will bolster the ongoing flood response efforts in Garissa, Mandera, Tana River, Wajir, Isiolo, Samburu, and other affected counties.

According to the latest Kenya Red Cross El-Nino Floods Operation Response report, since the onset of the El-Nino rains, 139,071 households have been affected, with 69,519 households displaced due to heavy rains. Presently, 5,521 households remain displaced in various camps across Tana-River, Garissa, Mandera, Kisumu, and Migori counties.

"Sexual and reproductive health services are often limited or unavailable, resulting in more women giving birth without medical support" said John Wafula, UNFPA Humanitarian Specialist

"The items we are flagging off today include sexual and reproductive health medicines and supplies, as well as dignity kits containing items such as sanitary towels, to aid displaced women and girls of reproductive age in maintaining proper hygiene and meeting their menstrual health needs."

The donated supplies, funded by UNFPA with contributions from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund and the Government of Japan, are a critical step in addressing the immediate needs of the affected population