ISLAMABAD: Nearly 1.4 million Afghan refugees and 700,000 undocumented Afghans currently live in Pakistan, among whom many are young women who have suffered unspeakable trauma on their journey to a safe land. According to estimates, every year, there are more than 56,000 pregnant women who urgently need maternal health care. United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the leading United Nations agency for sexual and reproductive health, currently providing life-saving services to ensure every child birth is safe. But shortage of supplies and lack of trained midwives continue to threaten the lives of mothers and their children in camps and hosting areas. The UNFPA in collaboration with the government of Pakistan and funding of the Australian government, are launching a three year Sexual & Reproductive Health Programme. This programme aims to increase access of Afghan women, temporarily displaced persons and host communities to quality sexual reproductive health services in order to prevent unplanned pregnancies and ensure that no mother dies while giving birth. In this regard, Commissionerate Afghan Refugees (CAR) in partnership with the UNFPA, jointly organised the programme launch Monday at a local hotel. CAR Chief Commissioner Muhammad Salim Khan while welcoming the guests, explained the aim of the programme. “The programme aims to target 360,000 individuals and is one of the best ways to ensure the health, well-being and security of families and communities. CAR will facilitate and provide strategic oversight on this initiative as a means of ensuring that maximum benefits are achieved at the end of the three years,” Muhammad Salim Khan said and stressed that all implementing partners and stakeholders would have to make concerted efforts for women in Pakistan. Women Ambassador Dr Sharman Stone also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the role of sexual and reproductive health services in improving the lives of women and communities. “These services are critical to empowering women and reducing maternal and child mortality. By helping women stay healthy, we help them participate equally in society, education and the economy,” she said. UNFPA Representative Dr Hassan Mohtashami conveyed, “UNFPA is committed to protecting those who are in transit. Our humanitarian programmes are protecting women and young people in 60 countries today. In Pakistan, we have responded to major crises and disaster areas since 2010.” Other dignitaries that spoke at the event included Australian High Commissioner Margaret Adamson who stressed that governments and civil society have a collective responsibility to contribute to international and national efforts to improve the safety of women and create opportunities for them so that they can live their lives with dignity and respect.” Published in Daily Times, September 18th 2018.