One year ago today, Afghanistan was reeling from the third 6.3 magnitude earthquake in the span of just a few days. More than 90% of the casualties were women and children, and tens of thousands more were impacted by the deadly quakes.

Hanifa was pregnant when earthquakes struck. As her house fell to pieces, she took shelter in a cramped tent. Gripped by fear and uncertainty, she was beginning to experience contractions.

In the wake of earthquakes, UNFPA established mobile units staffed by midwives who offered maternal and reproductive health services and essential medicines and supplies. Hanifa received lifesaving support from one of those midwives, Rahna.

“At first when those pains hit me, I felt so lost and hopeless. But then Rahna the midwife arrived like an angel. She held my hand, and her words were like a soothing balm for my fears,” Hanifa told us.

There’s no predicting when earthquakes will strike and when women will be forced to give birth in the most dire conditions. But your gifts ensure that midwives — and other critical reproductive health services — are there when the worst happens.

Will you make a humanitarian gift today to provide maternal health care and lifesaving aid to the women and girls who need it most in Afghanistan and beyond?

The midwife, Rahna, shared her joy: “It was a challenging situation, but when I saw the relief on Hanifa’s face as she held her baby, I felt a profound sense of pride. In the midst of disaster, we brought a glimmer of hope.”

Thank you for being a part of this lifesaving work.

— USA for UNFPA