(Original article posted on SunStar Zamboanga on July 15, 2016 by Bong Garcia)

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) received P4 million worth of medical equipment from the international aid agency Oxfam and the European Union (EU).
 
Oxfam Country Director Justin Morgan formally turned-over the equipment on Thursday to lawyer Laisa Alamia, Armm executive secretary, and, Dayang Sangkula Jumaide, the region’s Department of Health (Armm-DOH).

Morgan said the medical equipment will help improve the delivery of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services to 14 cities and municipalities in Armm.

Among the items turned over were fetal dopplers, oxygen tanks, wheelchairs, examination tables, delivery tables, and pediatric stethoscopes.
 
A program funded by EU dubbed Improving Availability of Reproductive Health Services (Arches) in the Armm, aimed to contribute to poverty reduction and improved well-being of the population in the region through better and more equitable access to health services.

Arches was a joint undertaking between Oxfam and four women’s rights organizations working with local communities in Armm, namely Al Mujadilah Development Foundation, Inc. in the province of Lanao del Sur, Pinay Kilos in Sulu and Basilan, Tarbilang Foundation Inc. in Tawi-Tawi and United Youth of the Philippines-Women in Maguindanao.
 
The assistance will also help build the capacity of local governments to deliver SRH services.
 
“We believe in the importance of protecting the rights and welfare not only of women but also the families they raise and support, and we recognize that there is a need to ensure that reproductive health services are made available for all, especially for the disadvantaged (sector),” Armm Governor Mujiv Hataman said.
 
“It is in the spirit of upholding the Bangsamoro’s right to health that we welcome and accept with gratitude the medical equipment that Oxfam and their partner organizations are donating to the Armm in order to ensure that local governments can provide better reproductive health services,” Hataman added.