The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has launched a funding appeal to deliver life-saving reproductive health services and vital gender-based violence prevention programs to over 45 million people. This appeal comes at a critical time as an estimated 11 million pregnant women will require urgent support in 2025.
UNFPA highlighted the record displacement and devastation caused by global crises, which displaced a staggering 122.6 million people this year. Women and girls made up half of those affected, and disasters and climate shocks have devastating consequences for them. The risks of pregnancy and childbirth become life-threatening in crisis situations, and incidents of rape and gender-based violence escalate sharply.
Moreover, the increase in crises and rising needs have been met with insufficient funding, creating a 75 per cent resource gap across 34 country situations. This has left millions of women and girls without access to essential services, leading to life-threatening and sometimes fatal consequences.
Dr. Natalia Kanem, the Executive Director of UNFPA, emphasized the importance of investing in the health and dignity of women and girls caught in crisis. She called on the international community to help build a future free from fear and violence for these vulnerable populations.
In 2025, UNFPA aims to focus on two key priorities – strengthening local and national responses, enhancing emergency preparedness, and increasing the share of humanitarian funding to local and women-led organizations from 35 per cent to 43 per cent. The agency also plans to enhance early response capacity by prepositioning critical supplies in various hubs worldwide to ensure swift and effective action during crises.
Despite unprecedented access and funding challenges, UNFPA managed to reach over 10 million people with reproductive health services in 2024. The agency also supported gender-based violence prevention and response services for 3.6 million people across 59 crisis-affected countries. UNFPA deployed networks of thousands of midwives and medical teams to humanitarian zones, equipped over 3,500 health facilities to deliver life-saving care, and established more than 1,600 safe spaces for women and girls.
The funding appeal launched by UNFPA aims to address the urgent needs of millions of women and girls affected by crises worldwide. By investing in their health and well-being, the international community can help build a future where women and girls are free from fear and violence.
In addition to providing reproductive health services, UNFPA is committed to preventing and responding to gender-based violence in crisis-affected areas. The agency’s efforts have already made a significant impact, reaching millions of people with essential services and support.
As the global community continues to face unprecedented challenges, it is crucial to prioritize the needs of women and girls in crisis situations. By supporting organizations like UNFPA, we can ensure that women and girls receive the care and protection they need to thrive in the face of adversity.
The funding appeal launched by UNFPA is a crucial step towards addressing the urgent needs of millions of women and girls affected by crises worldwide. By investing in their health and well-being, the international community can help build a future where women and girls are free from fear and violence.
UNFPA’s work in providing reproductive health services and preventing gender-based violence is essential in ensuring the safety and well-being of women and girls in crisis situations. Through their efforts, UNFPA has been able to reach millions of people with life-saving services and support, making a significant impact on the lives of those affected by crises.
As we look towards the future, it is imperative that we continue to prioritize the needs of women and girls in crisis situations. By supporting organizations like UNFPA and investing in their work, we can help create a world where women and girls are empowered, safe, and able to thrive in the face of adversity.
