Our journey began in the lush green highlands of Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka's Central Province. Leaving behind the bustle of Colombo, we were greeted by the cool mountain breeze that refreshed our souls. UNFPA had previously responded to disasters in nearby Nawalapitiya, and today, we were on our way to visit officials and communities who are an integral part of our work.
I was struck by the warmth of the communities we encountered. Our local partner, the Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka (FPASL), guided us through hospitals and awareness sessions funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). We discussed maternal and child health, sexual and reproductive services, and support for gender-based violence at the District General Hospital. As is always the case with such conversations, the possibility of future collaborations emerged, particularly in strengthening primary healthcare services.
UNFPA's mission is to ensure access to quality health, social, and justice services for survivors in humanitarian and development settings. Ensuring safe motherhood lies at the heart of our mandate. We collaborate with governments, health experts, and communities to train workers, improve access to medicines and services, strengthen systems, and promote international maternal standards.
Witnessing the community's response to FPASL, it was clear that the officers went above and beyond their duties to ensure everyone felt seen, heard, and cared for. However, hospitals are grappling with an increasing need for medicines and commodities to accommodate patients. As discussions with hospital officials continued, FPASL stepped in at times to support the community and complement UNFPA's expertise.
We also visited another vital UNFPA-supported service making a significant impact: the Mithuru Piyasa hotline, which offers support to survivors of violence. Since its re-establishment in 2022, it has witnessed a surge in cases, particularly after commencing operations in Sinhala and Tamil, the two main languages. As health services are often the first point of contact for survivors of gender-based violence seeking assistance, UNFPA seizes this critical opportunity to reach out to affected women and girls.
In Kandapola's maternity clinic, I had the privilege of directly hearing from members of the communities about their experience with services and their needs. Conversations with the doctors and midwives serving these communities offer invaluable insights into the challenges they face. But I was deeply moved by their unwavering support for one another, leaving no woman, child, or girl behind. Cognizant of these challenges, UNFPA prioritizes maternal care capacity development, including strengthening human resources, emergency obstetric and newborn care, and providing quality, respectful care. We also train midwives, support emergency care facilities, ensure essential drugs, and provide family planning services.
I was disturbed to note the concerning rise in teenage pregnancies and suicides. I made a mental note of the pressing need for supporting school and community-based mental health outreach and training programs to address these issues.
Next, we ventured to Batticaloa on Sri Lanka's east coast, where the transition from a cool to a warm climate brought slight relief. FPASL's mobile clinic in Batticaloa allowed me to connect with dedicated field staff. A common thread of commitment to serving communities seems to tirelessly run through all provinces. During our meeting with officials, we discussed the status of sexual and reproductive health, maternal and child health, gender-based violence prevention, and mental health services provided at the grassroots level. These discussions opened doors to potential future collaborations, ensuring that communities continue to receive the vital medical services and support they need.
Before departing, we also visited a UNFPA-supported cash assistance programme implemented by our partner, Save the Children International (SCISL), with support from the Government of Japan. At the cash distribution point, candid conversations with beneficiaries shed light on how this support transformed the lives of women and their families by helping them fulfill their health and well-being needs and combat the challenges posed by rising inflation.
Returning to Colombo, I was overwhelmed by all that I had experienced. The warm embrace of communities, despite their adversities, and the unwavering dedication of field health staff, surpassing logistical, human resource, and infrastructure constraints, to ensure that no one is left behind—indelible impressions etched into my heart.
UNFPA remains committed to uplifting communities, fostering resilience, and embracing hope. The stories and people I encountered inspire me to continue advocating for women, girls, and marginalized groups' rights and well-being. Together, through determination and collaboration, we can create an inclusive world where every individual is seen, heard, and cared for.
