The second part of a project in Borno, funded by the South Korean Government through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) with $400,000, started on Wednesday.
This project, lasting one year, is managed by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA). It follows the first phase, which lasted five years and was worth $5 million.
The first phase aimed to help women and girls in Borno by providing medical services and building resilience.
Alhaji Babagana Mallumbe, the Borno Commissioner for Budget and Planning, spoke during the launch of the project in Maiduguri.
He said the second phase aims to improve the lives of people returning to their communities by providing better access to healthcare, including reproductive health services.
Mallumbe praised KOICA and UNFPA for their work in Borno and called for continued partnership.
He also asked for more support and funding for Borno to address the challenges caused by over a decade of insurgency.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, also thanked KOICA and UNFPA for their efforts in helping women and children affected by the conflict.
She mentioned the fistula center and training centers established during the first phase, which have helped women and girls.
Prof. Baba M. Gana, the Commissioner for Health, and Prof. Mohammed Arab, the Executive Secretary of the Borno State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, praised KOICA’s impact on reducing maternal mortality and providing training opportunities for health workers.
They welcomed the second phase of the project, believing it would further strengthen the healthcare sector.
Christian Sabum, the Humanitarian Coordinator and Head of UNFPA Maiduguri Office, reiterated UNFPA’s commitment to reducing maternal deaths and Gender-Based Violence (GBV). He explained that the second phase of the project was a follow-up to the successful first phase.
The KOICA Country Director, Mr. Sungil Son, expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress and promised continued support for Borno. He praised UNFPA’s management of resources and hoped for further collaboration.
The launch event included visits to some of the projects completed during the first phase.
