UNFPA is working with the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan to sustain continued access to reproductive health services and supplies. Last week UNFPA procured and transferred government-funded 3,500 boxes of male condoms and 12,000 IUDs to the Ministry of Health.
Contraceptives to be distributed free of charge to the most at-risk women through the 95 reproductive health rooms located at each house of health and etrap hospitals countrywide. The at-risk group includes women with chronic conditions, such as anemia, oncology, infectious diseases, diabetes, and heart disease. Women who have more than eight children, from low-income families and 15-19 aged adolescent girls are also part of the vulnerable group who are eligible to receive modern contraceptives free of charge.
"It is important that even in times of global pandemic women have the right and opportunities to plan a healthy family, have a safe pregnancy and childbirth," said Dr. Kemal Goshliyev, UNFPA Turkmenistan Reproductive Health National Programme Officer.
Earlier, UNFPA-funded 8,000 vials of Sayana Press injectable contraception were also disseminated through the reproductive health rooms countrywide.
UNFPA continues to work with the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic within the framework of the National plan for preparedness and response to acute infectious diseases and an Immediate socio-economic response plan to acute infectious disease pandemic.
Thus, in addition to ensuring modern contraceptives and other reproductive health commodities are available to those who need them, UNFPA also supports the government in ensuring access to reproductive and maternal health services and protecting health workers. UNFPA provides a technical assistance to the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry in updating the policy regulations on COVID-19 preparedness, including sanitation, personal protection, COVID-19 case management among women, specifically on principles of safe care during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.
UNFPA ensures that in times of crises, young people have access to services and information. Yashlyk.info website, operated by UNFPA Turkmenistan has been a reliable source of information on reproductive health for young people and their parents in Turkmen language. The site features a rubric on COVID-19 and offers World Health Organization’s recommendations on promoting healthy behavior at schools, home and community, sharing the correct information to promote prevention, elderly care, as well as staying safe and positive.
UNFPA also recognizes that women and girls are at increased risk of violence during the pandemic due to limited movement and socio-economic impact on households, increased unpaid care or fear and stress related to COVID-19.
UNFPA supports the Government in creating an environment free of violence through the establishment of the social support systems focusing on women and girls, specifically through the development of the standard operating procedures on addressing gender-based violence based on the international standards for the healthcare sector, psychosocial support and police.
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For more information, please contact:
Kemal Goshliyev, Reproductive Health
National Programme Officer
+99312 488325
www.instagram.com/unfpa_turkmenistan
imo: +99362 833158
