On July 4, 2024, in Addis Ababa, UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, and the Embassy of Sweden have formalized a funding agreement valued at approximately USD 1.4 million. This contribution from Sweden supports UNFPA's 9th Country Programme (2020-2025) for the year 2024 and extends through June 2025. The program's implementation encompasses nine regions of Ethiopia, closely aligning with the national priorities established by the Government of Ethiopia. This collaboration aims to advance the rights of women and youth, promote gender equality, and ensure access to sexual and reproductive health and rights for all.
During the signing ceremony held at the Embassy of Sweden, H.E. Hans Henric Lundqvist, Ambassador of Sweden to Ethiopia, reaffirmed Sweden's unwavering commitment to UNFPA's mission. He emphasized, "Sweden remains committed to UNFPA's mission of advancing the rights of women and youth, promoting gender equality, and ensuring sexual and reproductive health and rights."
UNFPA's Deputy Country Representative, Mr. Taiwo Oluyomi, and the Officer-in-Charge expressed gratitude for Sweden's generous support. He highlighted that "this partnership with Sweden is crucial for UNFPA's efforts to ensure that every woman and girl in Ethiopia has the opportunity to reach her full potential and live a life of dignity and equality".
The UNFPA Country Programme in Ethiopia focuses on several key areas: expanding access to and utilization of high-quality health services, with a particular focus on maternal and newborn health; strengthening the capabilities of national institutions to engage in evidence-based planning and management of health programs; encouraging the active participation and decision-making of women and youth in matters affecting their lives; and providing comprehensive support, protection, and rehabilitation for women and youth affected by gender-based violence.
Introduced by the Embassy of Sweden in 2017 during UNFPA's preceding Country Programme, the un-earmarked funding modality provides increased flexibility, enabling more responsive, impactful, and context-specific programming.
The Government of Sweden's continued support of the UNFPA Country Programme in Ethiopia is a testament to its commitment to promoting women's and young people's health, rights, and well-being. This partnership has yielded tangible results, including reduced maternal mortality rates, increased access to family planning services, and enhanced protection for women and girls from violence.
Sweden continues to be among the top 10 donors contributing to UNFPA’s core and non-core programme resources globally.
For more information, please contact:
- Paula Fernández Seijo, UNFPA Communication Specialist, Tel: +251-95597136, Email: pfernandez@unfpa.org.
