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We’ve promised to keep you updated about the emergency in Libya. Here’s the latest: UNFPA estimates that up to 230,000 of the people in need of humanitarian assistance are women and girls of reproductive age, among whom an estimated 24,000 women are pregnant and in need of essential sexual and reproductive health services, including basic and comprehensive emergency obstetric and neonatal care. Around 2,625 pregnant women are expected to give birth in the next month. An increased number of women are exposed to risks of violence against women and sexual exploitation and abuse as women and girls are on the move, displaced in temporary shelters and deprived of basic needs. The only remaining structurally intact health facility in Derna — the most affected area — lacks doctors, medicines and fuel for generators. There is no functional maternity facility in the city. The city is connected to Benghazi by one road and it takes up to eight hours for pregnant women to reach the Benghazi Medical Center for emergency obstetric care services.
As part of its initial response to the crisis in Benghazi, UNFPA distributed 80 Mama Kits (hygiene kits for women giving birth and their newborns) in the aftermath of the floods. 1,000 Dignity Kits reached Benghazi this weekend to be distributed across the most impacted regions. UNFPA also deployed two mobile medical teams to Benghazi to support two primary health care facilities where health authorities have reported shortages in medical personnel. Our work is only beginning but as needs grow by the day, we cannot move forward without your support. Last week, UNFPA announced a $6.9 million emergency appeal to deliver lifesaving services to pregnant women and survivors. Thanks to your support, UNFPA has already raised $500,000 toward our Flood Response in Libya.
Thank you for being there for women and girls. — USA for UNFPA |
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