Maroua, Cameroon – The devastating floods that recently ravaged Cameroon's Far North region left a trail of destruction, displacing communities and shattering lives. In the wake of this crisis, UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, stepped up to provide critical assistance to those most affected, particularly women and girls.
During his official visit to Cameroon, Dr. Sennen Hounton, UNFPA Regional Director for West and Central Africa participated in a ceremony to distribute dignity kits to flood-affected women and girls in Maroua. These kits, containing essential hygiene supplies, sanitary products, and other vital items, offer a lifeline to those who have lost everything.
"UNFPA is committed to supporting the people of Cameroon, especially in times of crisis," Dr. Hounton stated. "Our mandate goes beyond immediate relief; we strive to empower women and girls to overcome adversity and build a better future for themselves and their communities."
The ceremony, attended by the Minister of Women's Empowerment and the Family and partners, highlighted the strong partnership between UNFPA and the Cameroonian government.
"The UNFPA's swift response to this disaster is a testament to their unwavering commitment to the well-being of our people," the Minister remarked. "Their support complements our efforts to provide comprehensive assistance to those affected by the floods. This exemplary strategic collaboration between UNFPA and the Government of Cameroon exemplifies the strength of our partnership and the unwavering spirit of solidarity of the Cameroonian nation."
The dignity kits distributed by UNFPA serve multiple purposes. First, they meet the basic needs of women and girls by providing essential hygiene items, ensuring they can maintain their dignity and well-being in challenging circumstances. Second, the inclusion of sanitary products in the kits helps protect health by preventing infections and promoting menstrual health, which is crucial in disaster settings. Lastly, these kits contribute to restoring confidence and hope among those affected by addressing basic needs and providing a sense of normalcy.
UNFPA's response to the floods aligns with its transformative mandate. This mandate focuses on leaving no one behind by reaching the most vulnerable populations, including women, girls, and those with disabilities, and ensuring their specific needs are met. Additionally, UNFPA aims to build resilience by empowering communities to better prepare for and respond to future crises as climate change manifests itself with more extreme and frequent climate events. Finally, the organization is committed to promoting gender equality by addressing the unique challenges faced by women and girls in disaster situations, ensuring their protection and access to essential services.
Dr. Hounton echoed that: "UNFPA stands in solidarity with the people of Cameroon. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that every woman and girl, regardless of circumstance, can live a life of health, dignity, and opportunity."
This initiative underscores the crucial role UNFPA plays in humanitarian response, providing not just aid but also hope and a pathway to recovery for those whose lives have been disrupted by disaster.
