UNFPA allocates 26.4 Min. U.S dollars to Ethiopia for next five yrs.

 Addis Ababa, June 13 (ENA)--The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) says it has earmarked 26.4 million U.S dollars for the execution of its development programs in Ethiopia during the next five years.

  In an exclusive interview with ENA on Tuesday UNFPA deputy country representative, Duah Owusu Sarfo, said the UN organ has earmarked 3.5 million U.S dollars to Ethiopia for the year 2001 alone.

  The stated sum would be used to support the reproductive health, population and development strategy as well as advocacy services in Ethiopia, Sarfo said.

  He said over the past four years UNFPA has expended 30 million U.S dollars on the implementation of its development interventions in Ethiopia.

  The deputy country representative said UNFPA has constructed contraceptive warehouses in Mekele, Bahirdar, Dukem and Awassa towns in the reported period.

  Over 100,000 U.S dollars has been spent on the construction and furnishing of the warehouses, he said, adding that UNFPA has plans to build contraceptive stores in each region.

  UNFPA has also supported the training of over 3,000 health assistants in reproductive health and family planning, Sarfo said.

  He noted that the Fund assisted the Ministry of Health to improve maternal and child health, family planning services as well as safe motherhood in the country.

  Sarfo said UNFPA has also helped the National Office of Population to enhance its information, education and communication activities.

   The UN agency has provided support to the demographic training and administration center of the Addis Ababa University to train under graduates in population and related issues, he said.

  Ethiopia is the second highest recipient of UNFPA assistance in Sub-Saharan Africa, he said, adding the Fund provides most of the contraceptive needs of the country.

  UNFPA has also been taking an active participation in Ethiopia's anti-HIV/AIDS initiatives, the deputy country representative said.

  Sarfo also commended the Ethiopian government's commitment to work closely with UNFPA.

(ENA)