Kinney Ndopu

Aron Mushaukwa

KATIMA MULILO – The Embassy of Japan, in collaboration with UNFPA under the Leaving No One Behind Project, handed over dignity kits to 250 pregnant and lactating women in Katima Mulilo last week. 

Dignity kits and tailoring equipment were also handed over to Cheshire Home, which takes care of orphans and vulnerable children.

The Leaving No One Behind Project, which is funded by the government of Japan, aims to bridge the health gaps by assisting vulnerable adolescent girls, those with disabilities, pregnant women and lactating mothers. 

Speaking during the handover of dignity kits to pregnant and lactating mothers at the Katima Mulilo state hospital, the head of economy and cooperation at the Japanese Embassy, Koji Hase, stated that his country is pleased to contribute to the development of Namibia by funding the ‘Leaving No One Behind Project’.

“While the primary target audience is adolescent girls, including those with disabilities, I think we can all agree that people with disabilities have been severely affected by worsening inequalities due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We are also well aware not all young people face the same reality when it comes to their dignity, safety, education and health,’’ said Hase. 

While handing over similar dignity kits at Cheshire Home, Hase pointed out that providing girls and women with the necessary information and resources required to manage their menstrual cycle is important for their health, wellbeing and dignity.

“We are not only coming here today to hand over these important dignity kits for both girls and boys but we are also here to provide some tailoring materials so that the young people from Chesire Home can generate income and improve livelihood for themselves and the community,” said Hase.

UNFPA country representative Sheila Roseau stressed the organisation remains committed to achieving the ambitious 2030 goals. 

“Success towards these goals depends on success in empowering everyone, especially young people, women, girls and boys to enjoy their rights and to have real choices in all aspects,” stated Roseau.

In his speech, read on his behalf by the Chairperson of Zambezi Regional Council, the Zambezi regional governor Lawrence Sampofu thanked the development partners for ensuring the health of Namibians enjoys the priority it deserves.

One of the pregnant women who received the dignity kits, Beverly Simasiku, could not withhold her appreciation.

“All pregnant and lactating mothers go through a lot of challenges. At times, the fathers, while still in their mothers’ wombs, reject some of the babies. It is, therefore, always difficult for the mothers to handle everything. Some of them come to the hospital unprepared. So, we want to thank the Embassy of Japan for the gift they have given us,” said Simasiku.

The dignity kits include diapers, baby wraps, washing powders and pads.

They form part of the N$7.4 million funding under the Leaving No One Behind project, which will be implemented in eight regions, including Zambezi.