Dignity Kits target women with disabilities

By Talaia Mika

APIA, SAMOA – 22 JULY 2022: The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) handed over 1,350 Customized Dignity Kits to the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development and 100 are for Women with disabilities.

Personal Protective Equipment such as isolation gowns, disposable face masks, hand sanitisers, and tents were also presented to the Ministry of Health in support of their efforts to continue its Family Planning/SRH services during COVID.

The supplies were handed over yesterday at the Ministry of Health’s pharmacy warehouse.

The Ministry of Women (MWCSD) had requested the supplies of Dignity kits for their COVID-19 response to ensure women and girls continue to have access to sexual and reproductive health commodities during the COVID pandemic.

The Dignity Kits target women and girls in emergency situations with hygiene packs and especially vulnerable women with disabilities.

About 52,000 of Samoa’s population are women of reproductive age, 15 – 49 years of age.

MWCSD had been promoting programs to raise awareness on sexual and reproductive health possessions of women and girls with disabilities.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Women, Dr Mema Motusaga, accepted the supplies on behalf of the Ministry while Acting Director of Health; Tagaloa Dr Robert Thomsen received the supplies on behalf of MOH.

According to Dr. Tagaloa, the Covid-19 in Samoa may have peaked but the Ministry remains alert especially that Samoa’s international borders are re-opening on 01 August.