Sexual and reproductive health is a priority during the pandemic.

In every effort to empower women, amplify their voices, guard, and recognize their rights, including their rights to sexual and reproductive health services are also crucial.

This is because women bear children, and often bear the responsibility for nurturing them and when sexual and reproductive health needs are not met, women and girls are deprived of the right to make crucial choices about their own bodies and futures.

Ensuring that the sexual and reproductive health and rights of every woman and girl remain at the center of development is at the core of the work of the UNFPA around the world.

Even in our small island of Samoa, the UNFPA continues to be committed to supporting the Government's efforts on family planning, maternal and child health, antenatal care, youth friendly health services, S.R.H. and gender-based violence in Samoa, according to Tuliau Sara Faletoese the UNFPA Programme Specialist in Samoa.

She said this commitment by the UNFPA is demonstrated through its humanitarian and crisis response program and the handing over of supplies to the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Ministry of Women Community and Social Development (MWSCD) to ensure that women and girls to continue to have access to sexual reproductive health (S.R.H.) commodities during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as health equipment, is part of this response.

The UNFPA Pacific and Samoa presented to the MWCSD 1,350 customised dignity kits and 100 dignity kits for women with disabilities.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony the MWCSD Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mema Motusaga thanked the UNFPA on behalf of the Minister, Leota Laki Lamositele.

UNFPA presented to the MOH supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) which include isolation gowns, disposable face masks and hand sanitizers as well as high performance tents. These items also strengthens the role of the MOH to continue family planning and SRH services during the pandemic.

The M.O.H. Deputy Director General and Acting Director General, Tagaloa Dr. Robert Thompson, also thanked the UN agency and said they looked forward to continue working with the UNFPA.

"We are looking forward to continuing our work with the UNFPA as well as the support provided by the Ministry of Health to the people of Samoa especially through its family planning support and services."