Diwaniyah, Iraq – 13 April 2025 – The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), with support from the Government of Japan and local authorities in Al-Diwanya Governorate, celebrated today the inauguration of the rehabilitated maternity ward and newly established Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Diwaniyah Specialized Maternity Hospital. This achievement is part of a Japan-funded project aimed at improving access to reproductive health services and providing life-saving care for mothers and newborns.
H.E. Akira Endo, Ambassador of Japan to Iraq, commented:
“The Government of Japan is proud to support this vital project, which enhances reproductive health services in Diwaniyah. Our commitment to Iraq’s future includes investing in the wellbeing of women and youth and strengthening healthcare infrastructure. We believe this project will make a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of Iraqi families.”
This project is part of the strong and active partnership between UNFPA and the Government of Iraq, represented by the Ministry of Health, which aims to enhance the quality and sustainability of reproductive health services across the country.
Ms. Hind Jalal, UNFPA Representative to Iraq, stated:
“We are pleased today to inaugurate this milestone in partnership with the local authorities and with the generous support of the Government of Japan. The rehabilitation of the maternity ward and the establishment of the NICU at Diwaniyah Maternity Teaching Hospital will allow the provision of specialized services that save lives. We deeply appreciate our strategic partnership with Japan, whose unwavering support has made this vision a reality.”
This intervention is part of UNFPA’s ongoing efforts to expand access to lifesaving reproductive health services in Iraq. We will continue to invest in systems, services, and partnerships that protect the health and future of women and newborns.
It is worth mentioning that UNFPA has supported two additional projects in Diwaniyah Governorate through different sources of funding: the Center of Excellence for reproductive health and the Women’s Shelter. These efforts reflect UNFPA’s comprehensive and sustained commitment to strengthening protection and health services for women and girls in the area.
For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact:
Sahar Tawfeeq Al-Saffouri
Communications and Partnerships Analyst
UNFPA Iraq
07702711274
