As part of relieving the Government of Lesotho’s budget to the COVID-19 response, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund handed over Family Planning Commodities worth $477 to the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho at the National Drug Service Organisation in Mafeteng. The commodities were officially handed over by UNFPA Representative to Lesotho Dr Marc Derveeuw and received by Deputy Minister of Health Honourable Nto Moakhi.
Speaking at the occasion, Dr Derveeuw said UNFPA decided to increase the 2020 budget to the Kingdom of Lesotho after realizing that the budget was being compromised due to COVID 19.
He commended the Government for the financial commitment to procure sexual and reproductive health commodities including family planning, saying this will ensure choices for women and girls. He also applauded the Government for making good progress in some important indicators including the steady increase in Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR) from 47 to 60 percent.
Hon. Moakhi thanked UNFPA for the support saying the commodities will ensure continuity of services during COVID-19. He added that family planning enables girls to complete their education and later contribute the country’s economic development.
The commodities include male and female condoms, lubricants and other contraceptives.