Speaking at the balance meeting to evaluate the implementation of the UNFPA country program with the Caribbean Government in 2021, held virtually, the representative advocated strengthening alliances between key institutions and organizations to face the main challenges.

She pointed out the contribution of Unfpa for the care of phenomena such as teenage pregnancy, initiatives for the health of pregnant women, as well as for the prevention of gender-based violence.

Armitage specified that in the ninth cycle of cooperation with the Cuban government, the agency will also support the generation of data and research, as well as the work of the National Office of Statistics and Information.

Similarly, the director for Cuba insisted they will follow up on the country program, with emphasis on meeting the goals and the search for collective solutions to the challenges.

During the meeting it transpired that the specialized agency worked together with the Ministries of Public Health, Foreign Trade and Investment, and institutions focused on groups such as youth and women.

In this sense, UNFPA officials recalled the improvement of national and territorial capacities for access and coverage of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services.

They mentioned the existence of a preliminary version of the update of the National Program for Comprehensive Health Care for Adolescents, and the training of health personnel, teachers, communication professionals and people dedicated to counseling.

Similarly, they weighed assistance to adolescents whose sexualities and gender identities do not conform to heteronormativity, and the development of guidance services.

The Fund’s contribution also included the purchase of contraceptives to support family planning services, as well as antibiotics and personal protective equipment.

Other initiatives stimulated were the preparation of guides for respectful maternal care in health services, care for the infertile couple, and the dissemination of materials for protection against the Covid-19 pandemic.

To this is added the strengthening of capacities for the design, implementation and monitoring of policies and programs that promote gender equality and the empowerment of women and adolescents, as well as the development of demographic observatories in the 15 provinces of the country.

ef/mem/cgc