UNFPA donates Hepatitis E virus hygenic kits

Musa Zimunya

WINDHOEK, FEB 8 – In ongoing attempts to mitigate an Hepatitis E outbreak that has plagued Namibia since December 2017, the UNFPA yesterday handed over 1600 hygiene kits worth a total value of N$541 800.

UNFPA representative Ms Dennia Gayle, during a stakeholders meeting on Hepatitis E Outbreak, said the kits are specifically for pregnant and lactating women as well as for adolescent girls living in the outbreak hot spots – informal settlements of Windhoek.

One of the chief aims of the hygiene kits is to promote sanitation and hygiene practices for prevention of Hepatitis E while maintaining and restoring dignity of women and girls.

Said Gayle: ” The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Namibia would like to commend your office for efforts to control the outbreak of Hepatitis E Virus. Today’s event is a testimony of this commitment.
The content includes a 20 litre tap water bucket with basic essentials such as washing and bath soaps, underwear, tooth paste and brush, sanitary pad, baby blanket, cap, socks and re-usable diapers.”

Since 2018, the UNFPA has made a commitment to support the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MOHSS) for the National response on Hepititis E Virus Outbreak and so far provided support to a total amount of N$726, 075.00 to MOHSS.

“The support contributed to interventions on capacity development, coordination, community education and mobilization, knowledge management. As part of continues commitment to support your Ministry, UNFPA is delighted to handover to the Hon. Minister 1600 hygiene kits with a total value of N$541,800-00. UNFPA worked with your team to ensure that the kits are distributed directly to the beneficiaries. UNFPA would like to re-commit its support to the Ministry,” she said.

Namibia has experienced 4432 cases of Hepatitis E Virus since December 2017 up to January 2019. – musa@namibiadailynews.info