20 February 2023, Basra, Iraq – The UNFPA Field Office in Basra was joined by the Development Team from the British Embassy in Iraq on 16 February on a visit to Basra’s Deputy Governor’s Office, the Family Planning Centre of Excellence, and a session of Adolescent Health Programme at a girl’s Secondary School.

The UK representatives visited the Centre of Excellence in Basra to learn more about the services offered. The staff gave the delegation an overview of the different services they provide to the community, such as family planning counselling, reproductive health care, and staff capacity-building training. The tour concluded with a presentation on the Governorate of Basra's vision and strategy for reproductive health programmes.

The team then visited the Abdul Majid Al-Majadi Secondary School for Girls, where they attended a session on problem-solving, public speaking, and role play on conflict resolution. The Directorate of Education staff and the teachers emphasised the importance of expanding the programme to more schools to empower adolescent girls with the knowledge and skills to take control of their reproductive health, make informed decisions, and lead healthy lives.

The UK and UNFPA are partners in Iraq to improve national policies and regulations on access to right-based family planning, focusing on young people and vulnerable groups. The partnership ensures access to good quality family planning services, age-appropriate and reliable information, life skills, reproductive health and rights education, and a better understanding of the negative consequences of child marriage.

*******

UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, delivers a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.

For more information or media inquiries, please get in touch with Sana Jalal, Communications Consultant, karwan@unfpa.org