The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is launching a plan to help over 3.2 million women and girls of reproductive age in the Philippines who have been affected by Typhoon Haiyan and are still in need of urgent care. The $110 million plan is aimed at ensuring that no woman dies giving birth and that women are protected from violence.
Typhoon Haiyan, which hit two weeks ago, has wreaked havoc in the Philippines. The death toll currently stands at 5,200 people and growing. Millions more have been displaced, and the typhoon destroyed health and security infrastructures, leaving women – particularly the estimated 230,000 pregnant women in affected areas – especially vulnerable.
“In the rush to provide assistance, women and girls were invisible,” said Ugochi Daniels, Chief of the United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA) Humanitarian Response. “We now must ensure that their needs are met so that every woman and every girl affected by Typhoon Haiyan is protected and lives with dignity.”
Program funds, which will be implemented in coordination with humanitarian partners and national authorities, will go to providing life-saving maternal health services, such as temporary maternity wards and ambulances, kits for women of reproductive age that include sanitary pads and other basic hygiene items, and kits with supplies for pregnant and lactating women.
UNFPA will also support the deployment of female police officer teams, the reconstruction of safe havens, and the designation of spaces for women in evacuation centers to help protect women from violence.
“Targeted support to women is one of the best ways to ensure the health, security and well-being of families and entire communities,” said Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, UNFPA’s Executive Director.
Media Resources: UNFPA Press Release 11/23/13; UN News Centre 11/23/13
