Vulnerable benefit from donation
In an effort to boost healthcare and tackle gender-based violence in Namibia, the Japanese Embassy in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has provided medical equipment, a mobile clinic and sanitary pads to the Ministry of Health and Social Services.The donation is part of Japan's initiative, Leaving No One Behind. The project is active in Khomas, Kunene, Ohangwena, Zambezi and Erongo with financial support from Japan which started in 2022 and which so far amounts to U$700 000.
Vulnerable teenagers, young people, women and men benefit from the project.
The mobile clinic worth N$1.2 million was handed over to the One Economy Foundation and the founder, the former First Lady, Monica Geingos.
The clinic will be located at the #BeFree Centre of Excellence in Katutura. Medical equipment worth N$1.4 million, which includes screens for beds, gynaecological beds and scales for doctors, among others, was handed over to hospitals in Katima Mulilo, Opuwo, Eenhana, Okongo and Engela.
To support marginalised girls in schools, 24 000 packs of sanitary pads worth N$220 000 were handed over to the Minister of Education, Arts and Culture, Anna Nghipondoka.
Japan's ambassador to Namibia, Hisao Nishimaki, emphasised that access to healthcare is a basic human right. "We remain committed to working with Namibia to ensure that every Namibian has the opportunity to live a healthy and productive life," he said.