In coordination with national authorities and partners, UNFPA is supporting women and girls affected by the earthquakes to access vital services. This comprises critical maternal health support and emergency obstetric care, ensuring access to contraceptives and menstrual health items, and gender-based violence prevention and response, including the clinical management of rape.

UNFPA has set up safe spaces and health and support services at temporary shelters.

A leaflet on gender-based violence is handed out during an awareness-raising session.

Staff are listening to women and girls and helping them access the services they need.

UNFPA is scaling up its responses. But additional resources remain urgently needed to expand access to services.

Health personnel, social workers and community volunteers continue to provide life-saving services under extremely difficult conditions, often while dealing with the impact of the earthquakes on their own families. Their dedication is inspiring. At the same time, the needs of women, girls and adolescents are growing every day, and sustained support is essential to ensure that no one is left without access to protection, sexual and reproductive healthcare, and hope for recovery.

– Eugenia Sekler