Amman, July 19 (Petra) --The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has completed a project financed by the Government of Japan to improve access to health and protection services for women and girls across four southern Jordanian governorates.

According to a UNFPA statement issued on Sunday, the initiative covered Ma'an, Aqaba, Karak and Tafileh, expanding the availability of essential and gender-responsive services for women from both refugee and host communities.

The project supported safe spaces for women and girls, providing services including case management, psychosocial support, livelihood activities and referrals to specialized care.

It also sought to strengthen sexual and reproductive healthcare through a women-friendly service model. As part of the initiative, 42 primary healthcare centres in the four governorates were assessed to help expand access to quality care tailored to women's needs.

In Karak, the project provided support to the comprehensive centre run by the Institute for Family Health, UNFPA's implementing partner. The assistance strengthened the centre's ability to deliver integrated healthcare, protection services, counselling, referrals, awareness sessions and community outreach for women and girls.

Local officials and project partners highlighted the centre's contribution to meeting community needs. Ismat Dliwan Al Majali, head of the Karak Governorate Council, said the facility serves as a model for improving access to essential services and information for local residents.

Dr. Munther Al Khreisha, head of the Institute for Family Health centre in Karak, said offering multiple services under one roof helps reduce barriers to access and encourages beneficiaries to seek support.

UNFPA Representative in Jordan Himyar Abdulmoghni said the partnership had also helped strengthen national systems aimed at protecting the rights and safety of women and girls.

Japanese Ambassador to Jordan Asari Hideki reaffirmed Japan's commitment to supporting communities and expanding access to essential services. He said cooperation with UNFPA and Jordanian partners had enabled the delivery of specialized services that improved the health and well-being of women and girls, including Syrian refugees, while reinforcing Jordan's healthcare system in line with national priorities.

UNFPA noted that Japan remains a key partner of the agency both globally and in Jordan.

//Petra//WH