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UN ambassador to support women, girls devastated by earthquake
Bollywood star and social activist Manisha Koirala, one of Nepal's most renowned citizens globally, has announced her support for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) as its goodwill ambassador for Nepal to advocate for pregnant women, new mothers and their infants, girls and young people displaced by the devastating earthquake of April 25
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ollywood star and social activist Manisha Koirala, one of Nepal's most renowned citizens globally, has announced her support for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) as its goodwill ambassador for Nepal to advocate for pregnant women, new mothers and their infants, girls and young people displaced by the devastating earthquake of April 25.
"I am truly happy to renew my partnership with UNFPA in my homeland at this crucial time," said Koirala in a release made available to The Jakarta Post on Monday.
"UNFPA's lifesaving interventions are needed more than ever," she added.
More than 2 million women of reproductive age are affected by the disaster. Many of them are at risk of unwanted pregnancies. Further, the estimated 126,000 women who are pregnant may need urgent care to ensure they deliver their babies safely and remain healthy after childbirth so that they can take proper care of their infants.
"We wholeheartedly welcome Manisha Koirala as a spokesperson for our cause," UNFPA representative in Nepal Giulia Vallese said.
"Our efforts must be sustained well into the future, and must be adequately and consistently resourced. We are very grateful to Manisha for her dedication and commitment and look forward to working together strategically both now and in the future."
Alongside the Nepalese government, UNFPA is helping to coordinate and provide sexual and reproductive health services for women and girls who need them the most, including obstetric care and safe delivery for women who are pregnant, as well as a range of medical services.
According to the UNFPA, its reproductive health kits are being distributed to health facilities and medical teams to provide much needed supplies and equipment as well as contraceptives.
UNFPA Nepal also sends out "dignity kits" containing items to restore a sense of dignity and wellbeing to displaced women and girls - including sanitary pads, a flashlight and new clothes.
"I am struck by the impact UNFPA's work is already having in several of the most-affected districts," said Koirala. (ebf)(+++)
