18 January, Lesotho. 26 emergency obstetric kits have been donated by The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to health centres around Lesotho.

In a statement, the UNFPA say that the donation is part of their humanitarian assistance to governments in emergencies, and part of their coordinated response to disasters.

This is a response to life-saving needs of pregnant women and newborns in drought affected districts of Lesotho. The kits include equipment for birth attendants, post rape cervical repair, caesarean sections, uterine evacuation and neonatal resuscitation.

With support from the Central Emergency Relief Fund (CERF), special expertise has been taken on to ensure quality obstetric and antenatal care for all pregnant women.

Through support from the UNFPA office, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and sister UN agencies 190,000 women and babies have benefited. There is evidence that Lesotho has very high maternal mortality rates, so this support could not be more needed.

In their statement the UNFPA estimated that one out of 32 women die of pregnancy and childbirth related conditions, reaffirming that reproductive health conditions are the leading cause of death and illness in women of childbearing age.

The donation of emergency obstetric care kits is expected to help deal with these problems.