Needs are quickly escalating in Nepal, in the aftermath of the 7.8-magnitude earthquake. The most recent UN estimates indicate more than 5,000 have been killed and 8 million people have been affected. Based on the latest available data, UNFPA now estimates some 2 million women and girls of reproductive age are among those affected – including some 126,000 pregnant women.
As is often the case when disaster strikes, pregnant women remain one of the most vulnerable populations because of the vigilant care they require and the high risks they face.
“In times of upheaval or natural disasters, pregnancy-related deaths and gender-based violence soar,” Priya Marwah, a UNFPA humanitarian response coordinator, said in a statement. “Many women lose access to essential reproductive health services and give birth in appalling conditions without access to safe delivery services and lifesaving care.”
Such “appalling conditions” include babies being born outside with no medical resources whatsoever. Pregnant women and new moms require a whole host of services, including antenatal care, safe delivery services and postpartum care.
But considering that clinics have been devastated, prices for essentials are soaring and the maternal health situation was already grim before the disaster, thousands of pregnant women and new moms simply can’t get access to the health care they need, according to UNFPA.
The UNFPA is dispensing emergency staff members who are delivering dignity kits and reproductive health kits to Nepal. The dignity kits include such items as sanitary napkins, soap, toothbrushes and towels.
The reproductive health kits provide tools needed for vaginal tears, blood transfusions and other medical issues that arise during delivery.
“The fund is particularly concerned about the fate of pregnant women who have been affected by this tragedy, including those who might face potentially life-threatening complications,” Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, UNFPA executive director, said in a statement on the disaster. “All efforts will be exerted to support their safety and the safety of their babies.”
UNFPA and partners are also working to prevent gender-based violence, which is known to increase in the aftermath of disasters.
