August 20, 2015: Kuala Lumpur/New Delhi: The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) is the world’s leading provider of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. IPPF, through its humanitarian assistance programme – SPRINT – is providing critical medical and SRH services in the wake of the devastating floods in Sagaing, Myanmar. IPPF East & South East Asia and Oceania Region (IPPF ESEAOR) is responding to the humanitarian crisis through its collaborating partner, the Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association with funding provided by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), as part of the Australian Government humanitarian response to the floods.

The Union of Myanmar has been receiving heavy rainfall since July 16, 2015, causing significant flooding and disrupting normal life in the affected regions. On July 30, Cyclone Komen ravaged the already inundated areas, creating further havoc for the affected populations.

According to reports released by the UN Office for Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), an estimated 156,000 people have been affected by the floods in 12 districts, noting that the total could be significantly higher. The inundation of key healthcare facilities has severely hampered health services delivery in the affected areas, thereby posing a serious threat to the health and safety of people; especially women, children and adolescents.

More than a third of maternal deaths worldwide occur in crisis settings. During crises, there is a lack of access to basic emergency-obstetric services and only a small proportion of deliveries are attended by skilled service providers, leading to preventable maternal and newborn morbidity.

“IPPF-SPRINT, funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), is working with the Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association (MMCWA) to provide critical medical and SRH services in the Kale Township, one of the worst affected areas in the Sagaing Region. The Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) is being implemented to prevent excess maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity, prevent and manage the consequences of sexual violence, reduce STI and HIV transmission and provide family planning advice,” said Nora Murat, Regional Director, IPPF-ESEAOR.

“We shall also distribute dignity kits containing basic garments and medicines,” she added. “We will be providing for over 3,000 beneficiaries, and for this purpose we have mobilised USD $37,000 for a 3-month period starting from August,” said Aditi Ghosh, A/G Director, IPPF-SPRINT.

Focal Point Contact:
Dr. Subatra Jayaraj, Regional Manager, ESEAOR, IPPF-SPRINT
Aditi Ghosh, Acting Director, IPPF-SPRINT:[email protected]

Media Contact: Debanjana Choudhuri: [email protected]
www.ippf-sprint.org