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The UNFPA Country Representative, Mr. Faustin Yao, paid a visit to UNFPA supported programmes in the Amhara Region on July 15. In his one day visit he went to the Finote Selam Hospital to see the implementation of the Integrated Emergency Surgery and Obstetrics (IESO) Program and a gender intervention on Community Conversation and Income Generating Activities being undertaken in a district called Guagusa Shikudada supporting needy women.

In his visit of the IESO program in the Finote Selam Hospital he was briefed by the Chief Executive Officer and the Medical Director of the Maternal Health Unit of the hospital on services around maternal and newborn health. He was also given a tour of the facilities. Mr. Yao was also briefed by one of the Emergency Surgical Officers trained in the IESO Program and deployed at the hospital. It was disclosed during the visit that the hospital has contributed much to the improvement of maternal health and only three cases of maternal death cases were registered in the past year. But it was noted that shortage of blood was one of the big challenges faced at the hospital in saving the lives of mothers. The hospital is currently serving a total of 1.3 million people the catchment area.

During his to the UNFPA supported Community Conversation and Income Generating intervention, Mr. Yao got the chance to interact with the participating women. The women testified as to how the intervention has empowered them increased their awareness on harmful traditional practices, improving their economic conditions, and promoting gender equality. The also indicated that the intervention has increased their awareness on family planning. The intervention is being implemented in 14 localities in the district.  

Mr. Yao was accompanied during the visit by Mr. Constant-Serge Bounda, Chief of the UNFPA Liaison Office to the African Union Commission and the UN Economic Commission for Africa. UNFPA Programme Officers working on maternal health, gender and adolescent and youth programs were also present during the visits.