KATHMANDU, Dec 20: The Government of the Republic of Korea has pledged $300,000 towards earthquake relief efforts in Karnali Province. Allocated through the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), this generous contribution aims to aid the most affected communities in the aftermath of the recent devastating earthquake.

Following the November 3 earthquake, which claimed 157 lives and impacted 300,000 individuals in Jajarkot and Rukum West districts of Karnali Province, the Republic of Korea has extended support expressing its solidarity with Nepal.

Taeyoung Park, ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Nepal, emphasized their commitment to aiding the most vulnerable in collaboration with UNFPA. This pledge aligns with South Korea's enduring partnership with Nepal, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2024. Ambassador Park highlighted South Korea's consistent support during Nepal's challenging times, citing assistance during the 2015 earthquake and the Covid-19 pandemic.

The earthquake heightened vulnerabilities, particularly for women and girls, exposing them to increased risks of violence and exploitation. Destruction of medical facilities compounded by critical supply shortages has severely impacted essential health services, notably maternal healthcare.

Expressing gratitude, UNFPA Representative Won Young Hong praised SouthKorea's steadfast dedication to humanitarian causes. The South Korean aid enables UNFPA to provide crucial supplies to affected women and girls, addressing basic sanitation, menstrual hygiene, and sexual and reproductive health needs.

With this support, UNFPA plans to distribute winter kits, dignity kits, health supplies, and strengthen the capacity of sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence response services for over 40,000 women and girls in Jajarkot and Rukum West over the next three months.

 
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