UNFPA assists Kenyans displaced by post-elections violence

Accra, Jan. 21, GNA - The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), is providing needed medical equipment and supplies to the thousands of people displaced by political violence in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi as well as affected areas in other parts of the country.

The disputed presidential elections in late December has led to riots that killed hundreds and displaced hundreds of thousands, many of whom are still unable to return to their homes because of the ongoing political tension. The affected areas included Nakuru, Eldoret, Kisumu and Mombasa.

A statement by Ms Angela Walker, Regional Information Advisor of UNICEF, and copied to the Ghana News Agency said UNFPA was assisting thousands of pregnant women who found themselves beyond the reach of health facilities.

UNFPA was providing clean delivery kits, including plastic sheets to lie on the ground, soap for washing hands before assisting delivery, clean razor blades and strings to cut and tie the umbilical cord, and blankets to protect the newly born babies from hypothermia. "All these supplies have been delivered to the Red Cross for re-distribution in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the Nairobi Women's Hospital and other local organizations. The Fund is also working with the Ministry of Health to ensure that women experiencing complications were referred to nearby heath facilities and that displaced couples had access to family planning services", the release said.

It noted UNFPA was particularly concerned about reports of increased sexual violence in the displacement settlements and said at least one hospital in the affected areas had reported that the number of rapes, especially gang rapes, had increased significantly over the past three weeks.

The Fund was providing medicine and equipment to help treat those cases of violence, including post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to prevent HIV infection and medications to treat gonorrhoea, syphilis and chlamydia.

In addition to medical support, UNFPA was working with the Ministry of Health, the Red Cross, the Nairobi Women's Hospital and other local organizations to provide psychosocial and legal support to sexual violence survivors in the 42 camps where people have sought refuge. The camps are spread throughout Nyanza, Western, Nairobi, Rift Valley and Coast provinces. UNFPA is also assessing existing interventions to respond to gender-based violence, identify gaps, and map organizations already working in this area to ensure coordination and avoid duplication of efforts. 21 Jan. 08