31^st October 2017

Italy grants 500,000 Euros to Reproductive Health and Rights in Palestine

Tuesday 31 October 2017, Jerusalem - The Italian Government is contributing to women’s and girls’ health in Palestine through a generous grant of 500,000 euros. The grant will support the implementation of the “Unfinished agenda to address social determinants for achieving Reproductive health and rights in Palestine” to ensure women and girls have greater access to quality sexual and reproductive health care.

The grant from the Italian Government will enable UNFPA to work closely with governmental, academic and civil society organizations to ensure that national policy and service delivery entities adopt comprehensive approach for SRHRs as well as support the development of local level health services for young women. Through effective partnerships, the project will support innovative initiatives that break cultural, institutional and social barriers particularly facing young women and their right to freely access health care. Specifically, the project seeks to achieve the following objectives:

·         National policies and procedures’ gaps related to reproductive health needs and rights of young women are strengthened;

·         Tailored health services for young women are further developed, promoted and institutionalized; and

·         Young women have a more supportive social environment receptive to their sexual and reproductive health needs and rights.

The Consul General of Italy Mr. Fabio Sokolowicz highlighted the Italian Government's longstanding support for the Palestinian people, especially in the field of healthcare and gender related issues. Through this grant, Italy continues to promote development by ensuring women and girls enjoy living a healthier life free from cultural norms, social stigmas and other barriers.

“We are grateful to the Italian Government for their support to Palestine, and in particular to women and girls” Mr. Anders Thomsen, UNFPA Representative, said. “Palestine has made great progress toward achieving the MDGs, but we still need targeted support to close the gap in the agenda to achieve Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights. This contribution from the Italian Government will undoubtedly help the most vulnerable women and girls.” he continued.

For more information, please contact:

Anders Thomsen, UNFPA Representative, State of Palestine

Tel: + 972 54 9201341. Email: thomsen@unfpa.org