Press Release

Japan grants USD 463,636 to Women’s health, supporting urgent protection needs of sexual and reproductive health and breast cancer in vulnerable communities in Gaza and West Bank

RAMALLAH, Palestine, 23 March 2020 – The Government of Japan contributed USD 463,636 in support of UNFPA’s humanitarian response to the protection and medical needs of women and girls, including prevention and treatment of breast cancer in Palestine.  

This grant will enable the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to assist an estimated 35,000 people, especially women and girls, as well as training for 100 health care providers. It builds on a 5-year successful cooperation between the Government of Japan, the Ministry of Health and UNFPA, which has already reached over a quarter of a million of women through awareness activities, access to services including palliative care and psychosocial support. An evaluation of the project in 2018 revealed that project beneficiaries experienced reduced wait time between confirmation of cancer and treatment - from six months to only seven days.

UNFPA will be working closely together with the Ministry of Health, Campaign for Children of Palestine (CCP-Japan), Palestinian Medical Relief Society and other NGOs as well as national health care centres to ensure access to sexual and reproductive health services including family planning, safe births, antenatal and post-natal care for pregnant women and women in the reproductive age. The grant will also support midwifery and breast cancer programmes; awareness raising, screening and access to services through mobile clinic, subsidies and community campaigns.

“This grant is a token of support from the Japanese people who hold out their hands to improve reproductive health services for Palestinian women and girls. We send a message through the project that Japan is a friend in need. UNFPA is one of our important partners to implement humanitarian assistance targeting women’s health and protection in Palestine.” said Mr. MAGOSHI Masayuki, Ambassador for the Palestinian Affairs and Representative of Japan to Palestine.  

“UNFPA extends its thanks and appreciation to the People and to the Government of Japan. UNFPA is extremely grateful for the continuous support and dedication of the People of Japan to improve the conditions of sexual and reproductive health and rights for women and girls in Palestine”, said Ms. Kristine Blokhus, UNFPA Representative.  

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UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, delivers a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.

For more information, please contact:

Osama Abueita, UNFPA SRH Team Leader, State of Palestine

Tel: + 972 59  9121191 abueita@unfpa.org

Asmaa Ibrahim, Representative Office of Japan to Palestine

Tel: + 972 2 2983370, asma@rm.mofa.go.jp

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