29 March, 2025, Yangon, Myanmar –
Following the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar,
particularly affecting Mandalay, Sagaing, Magway, Bago, the
North Eastern Shan states, and the Nay Pyi Taw Union
Territory, UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive
health agency, is urgently working with partners and local
communities to assess critical needs and deliver life-saving
humanitarian assistance to affected populations,
particularly women and girls.
UNFPA is actively
participating in rapid assessment missions in coordination
with UN agencies, humanitarian partners, local authorities
and community-based organizations. Early assessments
highlight significant damage to health facilities, the
displacement of communities, and the disruption of essential
services, including sexual and reproductive healthcare. The
earthquake significantly worsens an already severe
humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, intensifying the needs of
more than 3.5 million internally displaced persons, many of
whom are vulnerable women and girls.
“In
emergencies like this, women and girls face increased risks,
from compromised access to life-saving maternal healthcare
to heightened risk of gender-based violence, ” said Mr.
Jaime Nadal Roig, UNFPA Representative for Myanmar. “UNFPA
is committed to supporting relief efforts, placing the
well-being of women and girls, including pregnant women,
mothers, and adolescents, at the heart of our humanitarian
response efforts.”
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UNFPA’s response will
prioritize delivering life-saving reproductive health
services, distributing dignity kits and essential female
hygiene and safety items to affected women and girls, and
strengthening gender-based violence protection, including
mental health and psychosocial support services. UNFPA will
also support health facilities in resuming essential
maternal and newborn healthcare services.
“Our
thoughts are with all those who have suffered immense loss
during the devastating earthquake,” Mr. Nadal Roig added.
“We stand with affected communities and are working
tirelessly with partners to ensure they receive the support
they urgently need.”
UNFPA remains committed to
working closely with vulnerable communities and humanitarian
partners to alleviate suffering and provide lifesaving
services to women and girls in the aftermath of this
crisis.
