Japan, UNFPA boost Uganda humanitarian response with ambulance

The government of Japan and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) have provided a fully equipped ambulance to the Agency for Co-operation in Research and Development (ACORD) Uganda to enhance humanitarian response.

The ambulance will facilitate emergency obstetric emergency referrals in Terego and Madi-Okollo districts, which are currently receiving new refugees.

During the handover ceremony at the UNFPA offices in Kampala on Thursday, November 21, 2024, Japanese Ambassador to Uganda Sasayama Takuya reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts worldwide.

"This ambulance symbolises our partnership with UNFPA and the people of Uganda, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive essential healthcare services during times of crisis," the ambassador said.

UNFPA Uganda country representative Gift Malunga highlighted the ambulance’s vital role in improving maternal health outcomes and protecting the rights of women and girls.

“This ambulance is a crucial addition to our humanitarian response efforts, enabling us to provide life-saving services to women and girls affected by crisis and strengthening referral services and pathways.

“It will facilitate access for women and girls affected by the crisis to critical health services, including emergency obstetric care," Malunga said.

ACORD and Peace Winds Japan are implementing the Delivering Lifesaving Integrated Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Interventions in Emergency (DELISiE) project in refugee and host communities in Uganda.

The 12-month initiative, which is funded through the Japanese Supplementary Budget for the financial year 2023/2024, represents an investment of $1,001,855 (over shillings 3.7 billion).

UNHCR Kampala head of urban refugees Josiah Kolleh Flomo said with the arrival of Sudanese, almost 60,000 now, the donation of an ambulance will improve healthcare services, especially maternal health, SRHR, and GBV.

An ambulance is a key component of the Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) for Reproductive Health in Crises, a globally recognised standard for humanitarian response.

It ensures that women and girls in emergencies receive essential health services, including emergency obstetric care, contraception, and prevention of gender-based violence.

Handed over alongside the ambulance were Interagency Reproductive Health Commodities and Supplies, including dignity kits and menstrual hygiene management kits, symbolising hope, care, and collective effort to uphold the dignity of women and girls.