FRANCISTOWN - Government has received support ahead of its preparations to host an indefinite number of refugees from Zimbabwe at the Dukwi camp.

Handing over the Reproductive Health Kit the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) National Programme Officer Mr Moses Keetile said UNFPA is committed to making reproductive health accessible to all by 2015 with more emphasis given to refugees and displaced persons.

The kit that was handed to the Ministry of Health included treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections, oral and injectable contraception, management of miscarriage and complications of abortion kit, basic rape treatment, clinical delivery assistance, post exposure prophylaxis and one which included male and female condoms.

Mr Keetile said they were also targeting to reduce HIV infections amongst women who are the most vulnerable group.

He said the kit provided will cater for a population of at least 10 000 in a period of three months depending on the usage.

Accepting the kit on behalf of the government the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Mr Newman Kahiya applauded the good gesture displayed by UNFPA.

He said the donation was a well-timed gift as the country was anticipating a number of refugees arising from the political instability in neighbouring Zimbabwe.

Mr Kahiya said already statistics revealed that there are at least more than three thousand currently seeking asylum in the country.

He said upon the arrival of the gift the ministry dispatched the Drug Regulatory Unit (D.R.U) to make a thorough inspection on the consignment and that some condoms were still reviewed while some medication was reportedly leaking and would be destroyed.

He said some manufacturers have a tendency of donating gifts, which they do not use in their respective countries something that was worrisome as they might not be suitable for human consumption.

The PS said people must expect a delay because of the checks and balances from the D.R.U.

He explained that the equipment might not be used in clinics because it requires expertise and it would be taken to referral hospitals.

However, Mr Kahiya assured the UNFPA representative that government would put the kit to good use.

He warned of pilferage citing the recent Central Medical Stores robbery and said it was disheartening to see some people ignoring the call to be a compassionate nation. BOPA