NSAMBYA – The Ministry of health with its partners; UNFPA, British High Commission, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) , through Joint Medical Store (JMS) , have flagged off the distribution of reproductive health commodities valued at 7.39 billion shillings to be distributed in 320 accredited facilities across the country.
Dr. Joseph Okware, Acting Director General , Ministry of Health at this event held at Joint Medical Store warehouse, commended USAID,UNFPA, FCDO, JMS and other partners who have made it possible to ensure that the last batch of reproductive health commodities is transported safely up to the final beneficiaries.
“As we launch this distribution, I call upon stake holders to continue working hand in hand with us to ensure that Ugandan can access affordable reproductive services from wherever they are. We are now happy that commodities will reach the intended beneficiaries.” Added Okware
Gift Malunga , UNFPA Country Representative expressed gratitude for having been granted an opportunity, to support last mile distribution of health commodities which were generously handed over to the Ministry of Health by USAID and currently stored at JMS.
“Lack of distribution funding would have meant that thousands of women and girls being denied right to plan for their families, avoid unintended pregnancies and access safe reproductive services. Today, because of our partnership, these commodities will finally reach communities ensuring continuity of care and protecting the health and future of Ugandan families.”
She further added that, that reproductive health supplies like Family planning are not only health interventions , but they are investments in Uganda’s social and economic development.
Dr. Bildard Baguma, the Executive Director of Joint Medical Store, thanked the Ministry of Health for its strategic oversight, UNFPA for its unwavering support, FCDO for the generous funding and all other partners for always standing with them.
“This is not about distributing products, it’s about safeguarding the reproductive health and rights of Ugandan women and girls. It is about ensuring that every mother , every young woman , every family can access safe , affordable reliable health services.”
He further added that the journey has not been with several challenges, like the recent stop work order , commodities previously procured by USAID valued at 7.4 billion have remained in their warehouse without distribution which posed a risk to continuity of services and access to all communities.
