UN agency provides 1,670 dignity kits for Cambodia's response to COVID-19 pandemic

PHNOM PENH, May 18 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Cambodia provided 1,670 dignity kits along with communication materials to assist the Interior Ministry's National Committee for Counter Tracking in fighting against COVID-19 pandemic, said its news statement released late on Monday.

The dignity kits will be distributed to vulnerable migrant returnees, particularly pregnant women and women at high risk of gender-based violence and violence against women through the national and sub-national levels, the statement said.

Approximately 100,000 migrant workers have returned to Cambodia from Thailand since March and those returnees, especially pregnant women require continued access to sexual and reproductive health services and information, it said.

Essential items that women and girls need in such an emergency, such as basic hygiene items and useful information on COVID-19 are included, the statement said.

It added that the communication and information materials included are advice for pregnant and lactating women to help protect themselves against COVID-19, reduce risk from infection, practice social distancing and tips for coping with stress at home during the pandemic.

"UNFPA is calling on governments and partners to prioritize the sexual and reproductive health of women and girls, and respond urgently to their needs," said Daniel Alemu, UNFPA acting representative to Cambodia.

Cambodia's Ministry of Health said on Saturday that all of the 122 COVID-19 patients in the kingdom have recovered, as the country has detected no new cases of the virus for more than a month. Enditem