As part of their efforts to support the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in Egypt, the European Union in Egypt and UNFPA delivered personal protective equipment to the Ministry of Health and Population’s Family Planning Sector this week.

The equipment included 137,783 surgical masks and 20,000 alcohol bottles worth €70,000, and will be distributed to family planning clinics across the country.

In their response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the EU and UNFPA are prioritizing the family planning sector, as part of the EU Support to Egypt’s National Population Strategy project.

The project aims at increasing the use of voluntary, rights-based family planning, targeting Egyptians of reproductive age, and supports the Ministry of Health’s Family Planning Sector. This includes adopting new measures and adjusting ongoing programs to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak and ensure the continuity of family planning services in Egypt.

The EU and UNFPA are ensuring that family planning is not neglected during times of crisis, because it is central to women’s and families’ health. They are also ensuring that it is prioritized as an essential core health service.