UNFPA's Response
UNFPA, through the support of Australian embassy, distributed a PA system to Marawi City BLGUs with the facilitation of our implementing partner, Nonviolent Peaceforce. Honorable Jun Gamdamra, the ABC president of Marawi City graced the handover ceremony and he is very thankful because PA system will support the continuing awareness raising in all BLGUs to ensure the protection of women and girls.
At the onset of COVID-19, UNFPA aired programs on Sexual and Reproductive Health, Gender-based Violence, and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services including COVID-19 risk communication through radio platforms to reach a wider population in BARMM. About 500,000 women, girls, and men in BARMM were reached with correct health and protection information.
UNFPA provided life-saving maternity packs and dignity kits to IDPs pregnant and lactating women (PLW) affected by Mindanao earthquake and displaced by armed conflict. Since the onset of COVID-19 in 2020, 11,751 PLW received maternity packs and dignity kits.
UNFPA ensured that life-saving Sexual and Reproductive Health services for women and girls are continuing during COVID-19. Over 7,940 safe pregnancies and childbirth were supported since the onset of the pandemic.
UNFPA ensured that Sexual and Reproductive Health, Gender-based Violence, and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support services are continuing even during COVID-19 pandemic. UNFPA supported frontline health workers through provision of personal protective equipment and supplies.
UNFPA supported in September 2020 the strengthening of Cotabato Regional and Medical Center’s capacity for COVID-19 testing through the provision of Automated Nucleic Acid Extraction Machine. This has significantly increased the number of swabs processed from 60 to 80 samples per day to 400 samples per day.
In May 2021, COVID-19 cases spiked in BARMM and in Cotabato City which limited the capacity of Cotabato Regional and Medical Center for Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services. UNFPA and the Australian Government provided Emergency Maternity Tent Facility and Reproductive Health Kits and supplies to support the uninterrupted provision of SRH services.
In May 2020, as COVID19 cases are on the rise, healthcare workers in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao receive more than 130k pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) from UNFPA, for the protection of themselves, patients & others in providing care amid COVID19 with support from the Government of Australia.
