A Swedish delegation composed of members from the Embassy of Sweden in Ethiopia and the Headquarters of the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) paid a visit to UNFPA supported interventions in the Tigray Region between 9 and 10 November. During their two-day visit they saw interventions on the prevention of harmful traditional practices and youth friendly Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights in the Kolla Tembein and Hawzen Districts in the region. The delegation had a chance to discuss at length with the officials of the districts, coordinators and participants concerning the implementation of the interventions.

Ms. Anette Dahlström, head of the Swedish delegation and Human Rights, Democracy and Gender Equality Counsellor with the Bilateral Development Cooperation Section of the Embassy of Sweden, appreciated the well-organized system and structures which she said were important for the impressive results that have been achieved through the interventions. She also lauded the cross-sectoral collaboration between the relevant sector bureaus of the region for contributing to the achievements. Appreciating the massive community engagement works that have been employed in the interventions, she highlighted the need to involve more men and boys.

It is to be recalled that UNFPA signed an agreement with the Embassy of Sweden earlier this year on funding amounting to USD 7.2 million in support of its 8th Country Programme (2016-2020). The Country Programme which is implemented in 8 Regions of Ethiopia is responding to national priorities as articulated in the Second Growth and Transformation Plan of the country and various sectoral plans. The funding provided by the Embassy of Sweden will partly go to support UNFPA’s humanitarian responses in Ethiopia.

Sweden remains the largest donor contributing to UNFPA’s core and none core resources being used to support its interventions.