UNFPA donates MVR 1 million to health sector

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has donated over MVR 1 million for the implementation of the health sector work plan 2015.

The agreement in this regard was signed at a ceremony at Ministry of Health today, by Minister of Health Ahmed Zuhoor, and UNFPA International Program Coordinator Rune Brandrup.

UNFPA has donated MVR 3,226,357.44 to the Maldives in total, including MVR 1,038,691.20 to the health sector.

Speaking to reporters after signing the agreement, Zuhoor said that under the work plan, efforts will be made to strengthen health policies related to the Domestic Violence Act, including the compilation of a guideline for health service centres and conducting orientation programs for health staff.

The work plan also includes the implementation of the national strategy on fertility, as well as health services targeted at young people to ensure good health for mothers and children, he said.

Speaking at today's ceremony, Brandrup said that family planning has not been observed to be a common practice in the Maldives, and assured UNFPA’s assistance and cooperation for efforts towards raising awareness on family planning.