22 July 2003

Medical supplies destined for Baghdad hospitals Photo: UNFPA/Iraq

In an effort to restore and support reproductive health services in Iraq, a new shipment of emergency reproductive health supplies, intended to meet the urgent needs of Iraqi women, was delivered by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, to key maternity hospitals and primary healthcare centres in Baghdad.

A total of 648 boxes containing different types of reproductive health products were delivered to the five general health directorates that oversee maternity hospitals and primary healthcare centres in Baghdad and surrounding areas. The shipment included much needed emergency obstetric care supplies, clean delivery equipment, contraceptives, syringes, essential drugs and other medical supplies. The shipment was sent to Iraq by the UNFPA office in Iran.

The supplies were distributed among healthcare centres by UNFPA and the Iraqi Ministry of Health. Priority was given to healthcare facilities serving densely populated areas, those that were directly affected by the war, and others located in areas in need of immediate support. Additional UNFPA shipments of reproductive health supplies are expected to arrive in Baghdad soon.