Dear friend,

We are all deeply shocked and concerned following the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Syria and Türkiye, which has destroyed thousands of homes and lives. UNFPA-supported maternity facilities, youth centers, and women’s and girls’ safe spaces have collapsed or been severely damaged, and emergency response efforts are underway.

Among the millions of people who have been affected: tens of thousands of pregnant women who need access to maternal health services. While the full level of devastation caused by this earthquake is still evolving, what we do know is that menstruation, pregnancy, and childbirth don’t stop when a crisis strikes, and yet for thousands, their access to menstrual hygiene products, maternal health care and other fundamental services has been severed.

We are determined to bridge these gaps in care for every woman and girl, and are bolstered by your partnership and unwavering support, which allows us to mobilize quickly and deploy critically-needed supplies in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, like this earthquake.

UNFPA is on the ground in Syria working with local partners and scaling up services to ensure every woman and girl can access the care they need. Mobile health teams have been deployed and emergency support for women at risk of violence are operating in affected communities. And throughout affected areas we are distributing dignity kits, containing necessary basic supplies such as period products, soap, toothbrushes, flashlights, and warm clothing for the freezing temperatures.

In Türkiye, UNFPA has begun providing reproductive health services to survivors in addition to distributing dignity kits that contain basic hygiene items.

Our hearts go out to those who are experiencing devastating losses as a result of the recent earthquake. We continue to assess the needs in Syria and Türkiye, and will rapidly deliver support services to those in need as rescue efforts continue. We are committed to mitigating further loss and will continue to do what we do best by responding to women and girl’s emergency protection and healthcare needs.

Thank you for standing with us as we navigate the evolving situation and will continue to provide updates on our efforts in the region.

Anu Surendran
CEO, USA for UNFPA