UNFPA and the Islamic Development Bank are joining forces to help women and girls across continents

UNITED NATIONS, New York – The Islamic Development Bank and UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, have joined forces to improve maternal and universal health care, sustainable development, and the empowerment of adolescent girls.

The Islamic Development Bank is a multilateral finance institution striving to alleviate poverty, enhance health care, promote education and improve governance and foster societal prosperity. Since the Memorandum of Understanding in 2001, UNFPA and the Islamic Development Bank have united around a shared vision of a healthier, and more gender-equal future across Arab States, Africa and Asia. Learn more about how the organizations are working together.

Joining forces for health equity in Cameroon

In Cameroon, the Islamic Development Bank and UNFPA are focusing on improving maternal health and combating the mother-to-child transmission of HIV. With financial support from the bank, UNFPA has facilitated the training of health-care workers and midwives, as well as the provision of essential equipment for medical facilities under the “Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Support” Project. Moreover, the Government of Cameroon, the International Labour Organization Social Finance, the Islamic Development Bank and UNFPA are collaborating on implementing a "Micro-Takaful" scheme, a Sharia-compliant microinsurance initiative. Aligned with governmental efforts to mitigate out-of-pocket expenses, this initiative aims to enhance access to maternal and neonatal health care services, striving to diminish preventable neonatal and maternal mortality rates while promoting financial inclusivity and equity.

Partnering to save lives in Niger through maternal, neonatal and child health services

In Niger, UNFPA and the Islamic Development Bank are collaborating to improve the functionality of the health-care system, while accelerating the reduction of maternal, neonatal and infant mortality rates. The project seeks to train over 3,000 health-care workers in maternal newborn and child health-related disciplines, establish a robust referral system for emergency obstetrical and neonatal care, and upgrade and equip 65 health facilities to provide integrated community services. Upon completion, nearly 1 million women of reproductive age across Niger will have access to comprehensive maternal health services.

Supporting capacity building for health workers in Tajikistan

In cooperation with the Islamic Development Bank and the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, UNFPA is aiming to enhance maternal, neonatal and child health in the Khatlon Region through inter-related studies and training courses that support capacity building for health workers. Together, they have developed and refined standards and clinical guidelines on cervical cancer screening. These updated protocols serve as a framework for the training of midwives and obstetrics and gynecology doctors. Furthermore, this partnership trains health service providers on maternal, neonatal and child health, fostering improved accessibility to quality health-care services for women and children across the region.

Exploring innovative collaborations for youth in Jordan

In Jordan, UNFPA and the Islamic Development Bank are currently exploring groundbreaking initiatives, including the potential implementation of a Development Impact Bond aimed at enhancing the health and well-being of adolescent girls. Through joint efforts,  UNFPA and the Islamic Development Bank are committed to harnessing innovation around financing to empower young people, cultivate their potential, and build a brighter future for all.

UNFPA’s partnerships with multilateral development banks like the Islamic Development Bank provide the resources, expertise, and innovation that would otherwise be out of reach. Since 2018, UNFPA has signed several new agreements with the Islamic Development Bank for a total value of US$29 million to support maternal and universal health care, sustainable development, and the empowerment of adolescent girls. By working together, UNFPA can expand its programmes and enhance their quality to better address women’s and girls’ health needs.