Six mentally-challenged persons sheltered in a house established by KOSHISH together with officials from Ministry of Health and Population and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) distributed 45 sets of dignity kits to new mothers, pregnant women and elderly of Bungmati, said Matrika Devkota, chairperson of the NGO. The dignity kits were provided by UNFPA.

The dignity kits were distributed in a Female-Friendly Space (FFS) set up for earthquake survivors by Family Planning Association of Nepal with UNFPA support and in coordination with the government. At the FFS, the mentally-challenged—four new mothers, one pregnant and an adolescent girl—also interacted with earthquake survivors of Bungmati, Director of Family Health Division Dr. Pushpa Chaudhary, UNFPA Representative Giulia Vallese and officials from Ministry of Health and Population.

“We are very happy to be part of World Population Day celebrations. We thank UNFPA for coming up with the creative idea of engaging vulnerable populations themselves to highlight the importance of this Day and advocate their needs as the theme this year puts them in spotlight,” said Devkota. He said that the dignity kits, also provided to the mentally-challenged persons, would help them in many ways. The dignity kits contain items like clothes, sanitary pads, soaps, nail cutter and a flash light, and are tailored to the specific needs of women and girls, according to UNFPA.   

To address the needs of vulnerable populations like pregnant women, new mothers and adolescent girls at this time of crisis, UNFPA together with local partners and in coordination with the government is supporting women-friendly spaces to help protect women and girls, to vital reproductive health services that include safe childbirth in a clean environment, as well as contraceptives, medicine and dignity kits, said Vallese.