The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), with the support of the Government of Japan, has undertaken a vital initiative to improve maternal and child healthcare services in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka.
This initiative, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, aims to improve healthcare access and service delivery for pregnant mothers and infants in Jaffna, Kilinochchi, and Mannar districts, ensuring improved access to quality care for pregnant mothers and infants.
On 12 February 2025 at the Kayts Medical Officer of Health (MOH) Clinic, the Ambassador of Japan, ISOMATA Akio and UNFPA Representative, Kunle Adeniyi handed over 08 health facilities valued at Rs. 34,089,250.70 in the Northern Province that were renovated and upgraded with essential facilities and equipment.
In Mannar, the Maternity Wards of Vankalai Divisional Hospital, Nanattan Divisional Hospital and Vidathaltheevu Divisional Hospital were renovated. In the Jaffna District, the MOH Clinic and Hospital in Maruthankerny, the MOH Central Clinic in Kayts and the MOH Clinic in Chankanai were renovated and provided with the necessary equipment. In the Kilinochchi District, the health facilities of the Gramadaya Health Centers in Ananivilunthan, Kiranchi and Paranthanaru were Upgraded.
The key impacts of this initiative include enhanced quality of care in maternity wards, strengthened access to essential healthcare and strengthened rural healthcare services. The renovation and equipping of these nine facilities represent a crucial step toward strengthening healthcare infrastructure in underserved areas.
With an estimated 450 mothers and babies benefiting from Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services and information each month, this initiative is a step to ensure healthier pregnancies and safer deliveries in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka.
UNFPA, in partnership with the Government of Japan, remains committed to strengthening health systems and ensuring that all citizens have access to quality health services, especially maternal healthcare, in Sri Lanka, leaving no one behind. (Newswire)
