The European Union/UNFPA Reproductive Health Initiative for Youth in Asia (RHIYA) program emphasizes the creation of a supportive environment for addressing adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) issues in Asia.

Nepal was one of the countries covered under RHIYA, which has the second highest maternal mortality rate in the region, and one out of five adolescent women aged 15 to 19 begin childbearing in rural areas.

On 18th May, JOICFP handed over 158 reconditioned bicycles, spare parts, and stationery supplies to seven RHIYA partner NGOs in a ceremony in Kathmandu, Nepal.

The items had been donated by MCCOBA through JOICFP in cooperation with the Japan Bicycle Promotion Institute, and NYK Line.

The bicycles will be used by RHIYA staff and field-based volunteer peer educators in 19 districts, increasing their efficiency, and saving time and energy.

Some of the bicycles handed over to RHIYA partners

JOICFP commented during the ceremony that many volunteers in Japan actively support donating reconditioned bicycles, so the bicycles are a symbol of friendship between Nepal and Japan.

The UNFPA representative in Nepal thanked JOICFP for its support in enhancing the capacity to deliver ASRH services, and said that collaboration in Nepal between the two organizations had been strengthened, and requested future partnerships.