BORONGAN CITY (PIA) – The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) led by Country Program Director Dr. Leila Saiji Joudane turned over the “Women’s Health on Wheels” van worth P7-M to the province of Eastern Samar on Tuesday, February 1.

Joudane said the facility is needed to reduce maternal mortality in the province by addressing accessibility.

The van, complete with health facilities, will be servicing all municipalities of the province.

Gov. Ben Evardone of Eastern Samar thanked the UNFPA for the assistance as he admitted that the province has meager resources.

He also mentioned other international non-government organizations (NGOs) assisting the province in its health issues.

Evardone added that his administration is pushing to address the health issues of the Estehanons, but he said there are other sectors that need to be attended.

“We have gained significant strides in trying to reduce maternal deaths,” Evardone said.

A staff of the Provincial Health Office said that in the year 2021, it recorded only six maternal deaths.

“We are happy, you chose Eastern Samar,” Evardone said to the UNFPA country director.

As a gesture of solidarity, the WOW mobile facility will be lent to Southern Leyte to address their women’s health needs for one month.

Department of Health 8 officials led by Assistant Regional Director Rodolfo Antonio Albornoz, some UNFPA officials, provincial government officials, and provincial health officials led by Dr. Marianne Isiderio and Dr. Jessica Sabalberino stood witnesses to the turnover. (NBQ/PIA Eastern Samar)