Far North Region: UNFPA donates over 1000 emergency kits for flood victims.

During the event, 150 emergency kits, out of the 1,260 were symbolically handed over to Governor Midjiyawa Bakari, who received the precious donation on behalf of the flood victims. 

According to Governor Midjiyawa, UNFPA continues to demonstrate its commitment to vulnerable populations by offering vital support to the victims. He added that the gesture symbolises international solidarity in the face of the people’s distress.

“It’s a very important package that has been made available to us for the disaster victims. Many women have been affected by the floods, and you know that it’s often difficult for women in these conditions. That’s why UNFPA has decided to make this major donation,” the governor explained.

Items in the emergency kits include detergents, soaps, buckets, torches and other essential accessories. The items are intended to meet the immediate needs of the victims, particularly in terms of hygiene, sanitation and safety.

The Head of the Maroua UNFPA Office, Yvette Ouedraogo Konlobe, who represented the UNFPA country Resident Representative at the event, stressed on the importance of the donation, which she said will help alleviate the sufferings of the population.

“With this aid, UNFPA really wants to provide vital support to the hundreds of women and girls who have been affected by the floods, who have lost everything, who find themselves alone with what they have fled and found themselves in the reception areas,” Ouedraogo Konlobe said. 

She added that: “We hope that with these 1,260 kits, which include dignity kits, material health management kits and also childbirth kits, we will be able to bring a smile to the faces of these women and girls who are suffering from the floods and who have nowhere else to go”.

According to UNFPA, they will continue to support the people of the Far North, not only in the event of natural disasters, but also by contributing to the sustainable development of the region. 

The organisation plans to strengthen local initiatives in natural disaster prevention, access to reproductive health services and the promotion of gender equality. The UNFPA donation follows efforts being made by the government of Cameroon to help the flood victims since September 2024.

Despite several relief efforts, the needs of the people continue to soar and an appeal for international solidarity remains crucial. 

Humanitarian organisations, international institutions and the citizens of the world are encouraged to lend their support to the Far North Region to enable the victims to rebuild their lives and return to dignity.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3255 of Thursday October 10, 2024