Khartoum, January 14, 2018 – Sweden and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Sudan have signed today an agreement to progress the UNFPA Country Program (2018-2021). It aims at contributing to the reduction of maternal mortality, improving sexual and reproductive health and the promotion of women’s empowerment in Sudan. The generous contribution from the Government of Sweden totals SEK 45,000,000 (approximately USD 5,300,000) over a three-year period.

This agreement is in line with Sweden’s new five-year strategy for development cooperation with Sudan, which was signed off in December 2017. It also addresses Sudan’s priorities, outlined in the country’s Strategic Development Plan (2017-2021), and national efforts to achieve targets set under Sustainable Development Goals 3 (good health and well-being) and 5 (gender equality). More specifically, the strategic interventions aim to progress achievements made through the Sudan ‘10 in 5’ Strategy, the Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child and Adolescents’ Health Strategy (2016-2030) and the Women’s Empowerment Policy, updated in 2016.

The agreement will be implemented in partnership with government ministries and institutions, civil society organizations, academia and communities. Coordination mechanisms, monitoring tools and accountability systems will be established to ensure effective, timely and quality results delivery.

Ms. Lina Mousa, UNFPA Sudan Representative, expressed her gratitude to the Swedish Government for the generous support that represents a substantial contribution to the funding of the new program. She also acknowledged the Government of Sudan for its strategic approach that considers women’s empowerment and reproductive health among key national development priorities.

H.E. Mr. Hans Lundquist, the Swedish Ambassador: “UNFPA is a very important partner for Sweden globally. UNFPA’s work in Sudan, with a particular focus on women, girls and young people, is aligned with the Government of Sweden’s aid policy priorities as well as its feminist foreign policy.”