New York, US - Professor Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director, UN Population Fund (UNFPA), will Friday visit the refugee camps in Kenya, to address the urgent needs of women affected by the famine in the Horn of Africa.

A statement signed by UNFPA spokesman, Abubakar Dungus, said Osotimehin would visit Dadaab refugee camps and the surrounding host communities in Garissa on 2-3 September.

'During his visit, he will underline to partners, government officials and stakeholders the importance of addressing the urgent needs of pregnant and lactating women, prevention of sexual violence and treatment of its survivors among refugees and host populations,' Dungus stated.

He said: 'Through local partners in Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia and Djibouti, UNFPA is providing supplies including reproductive health care kits to hospitals, primary health care facilities and communities.'

He also noted that, 'clean delivery kits are distributed to most vulnerable pregnant women among affected communities to ensure clean and safe deliveries.'

The statement disclosed that UNFPA has also trained midwives and other health workers and provided them with the necessary medical supplies for improved quality care.

'Hygiene supplies are also being provided to most vulnerable women and girls to cover their unique needs and maintain their dignity,' it added.

PANA learnt the UNFPA chief is also scheduled to hold a press conference on Saturday, 3 September in Nairobi.

Pana 30/08/2011