UNFPA Turkey Provides Hygiene Kits to Syrian Refugees

As the number of Syrian refugees in Turkey steadily increases, another batch of 20,000 hygiene kits provided by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) are being distributed to new arrivals in the 14 camps set up by the Turkish authorities.

The kits include sanitary napkins, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste and other items helping refugees to maintain daily hygiene routines under the harsh conditions of camp life.

"The hygiene kits are appreciated by families, especially women, in the camps because they meet their basic needs for maintaining dignity while being forced to live away from home," said Zahidul Huque, UNFPA’s Representative in Turkey.

UNFPA has delivered a total of 40,000 hygiene kits so far, as part of an agreement with the Turkish authorities. The kits are being distributed by the Turkish Red Crescent, which runs the refugee camps.

UNFPA also trains Turkish health officials working in the camps on ensuring refugee’s access to reproductive health. The training is based on the Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP), an established set of priority activities to be taken in a coordinated manner by medical personnel in humanitarian emergency situations.

According to official figures, the number of Syrian refugees registered in Turkish camps reached 150,000 in January.