Women's Need Crucial in Pakistan's Disaster Relief
PAKISTAN - When disaster strikes the health needs of women are of particular concern. According to UNFPA’s Executive Director, Thoraya Obaid, "Our experience in responding to the earthquake in Bam, Iran, and to the tsunami, has confirmed that needs relating to pregnancy and hygiene must be addressed from the outset."
Four UNFPA trucks of medicine and supplies were sent almost immediately after the quake struck Pakistan. The proximity of UNFPA field operations to the affected areas meant the organization was able to quickly get to those in need of aid. With the re-opening of the road to Muzzafarabad, the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, UNFPA dispatched additional trucks of supplies and mobilized medical staff in other districts to assist local officials in humanitarian response.
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Many hospitals in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Northwest Frontier Province were destroyed or made unusable by the 7.6 magnitude earthquake. Tens of thousands of women in the affected areas are currently pregnant, and need adequate nutrition, medicines and antenatal care to deliver safely. Even in the best of circumstances, some 15 per cent of pregnant women also require emergency obstetric care to avoid maternal and infant deaths. UNFPA is concerned that the physical and psychological trauma caused by last year's devastating quake could push this figure even higher.
Many countries have pledged support for Pakistan, including a modest gift from the Maldives, in thanks for the help provided to the nation after the 2004 tsunami and in the interest of our common humanity. Individuals can help in many ways, including a targeted donation to UNFPA's ongoing assistance to women.
UNFPA's unique mission means that the particular needs of women are not forgotten when humanitarian assistance arrives.