Australian Support Boosts Sri Lanka's Healthcare Access

Australian Support for Sri Lanka's Healthcare Initiatives

In a significant gesture of bilateral cooperation, the Governor-General of Australia formally handed over a Health on Wheels Unit to Sri Lanka's Ministry of Health in Galle. This mobile health facility is one of three units funded by the Australian Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The primary objective of this initiative is to provide life-saving reproductive and sexual health services, as well as support for survivors of gender-based violence, to women and girls in marginalized communities.

The Health on Wheels Unit is designed to bridge critical gaps in accessible, dignified care for those who need it most. These mobile lifelines, designed for women and by women, will be deployed directly into communities to provide essential healthcare services. This Australian aid program also supports UNFPA's distribution of thousands of Dignity Kits, which are vital in ensuring hygiene and reducing health risks during humanitarian emergencies.

The Governor-General was honored to stand alongside Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera from Sri Lanka's Ministry of Health, UNFPA Representative for Sri Lanka Kunle Adeniyi, clinicians, and community representatives to reaffirm Australia's commitment to and investment in sustainable global health. This collaborative effort demonstrates Australia's dedication to improving the health and well-being of women and girls in Sri Lanka, particularly in marginalized communities.