UNFPA DONATES HYGIENE KITS FOR WOMEN EVACUEES IN ALBAY

LEGAZPI CITY – The United Nations Population Fund Agency (UNFPA) has donated some 280hygiene kits intended for women of reproductive age, especially pregnant and lactating mothers, in the evacuation centers in the province of Albay.

Dr. Luis Mendoza, Albay Provincial Health Office chief,announced that the hygiene kits are just initial aids of the UNFPA to women in evacuation centers displaced by floods and landslides spawned by heavy rains in the past few days.

“The UNFPA relentless supports the efforts of the provincial government of Albay in promoting the rights of every woman, man and child on health and equal opportunity,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza explained that proper hygiene in evacuation camp is closely monitored by assigned health workers, adding that “UNFPA seeks to make women as safe as possible in difficult situations by helping those in crisis or victims of calamity.”

“When crises strike, this time floods and landslides due to contious heavy rains, the provincial health office wants to ensure public health, regardless of every person's gender,” Mendoza added.

UNFPA has taken the lead in organizing and distributing hygiene kits based on what local women have said they need. The hygiene kits contain sanitary supplies, underwear, towel and toiletries.

Mendoza added that the hygiene kits is very usefull during camality. “When latrines and washing facilities are placed far from living areas, women and girls may be vulnerable to infections”

On the part of the province of Albay, Mendoza said there is a must in the strict compliance of health provision (services) in every evacuation center.

“This is the policy of Governor Joey Salceda to ensure health and medical services available to the evacuees,” he stressed.

He furthered that aside from mothers, holding areas per evacuation centers have been identified exclusively for children.

“The services is intended for all and the disaster risk reduction management of the province is implementing new reforms which include the establishment of mechanism in every barangays that would immediate address to the needs of elderly, children, people with disabilities and pregnant women as well as lactating mothers,” Mendoza also said. (MDRama, PNA Bicol/PIA/mal)