BANGKOK, Thailand - As the government of Vanuatu assesses the devastation wrought by Cylone Pam, UNFPA and other UN agencies and partners are supporting the Pacific island-nation in a variety of ways. Vanuatu has appealed for international assistance on a significant scale.

UNFPA, through its Pacific Sub-Regional Office, is working in close coordination with the government and partners in the relief effort to ship reproductive health kits and provide and sexual and reproductive health services to the affected population.

UNFPA Pacific estimates that there are about 56,000 women of reproductive age among the affected population, of which approximately 6,700 are pregnant.

Speaking from Japan where he attended the Third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that the event “tragically underscored” the importance of global efforts on disaster risk reduction.

Tropical Cyclone Pam was a category five cyclone when it struck the South Pacific on Wednesday, March 11. It is likely to be the worst natural disaster to hit the South Pacific in recent history.

Download infographic: UNFPA Dignity Kit for Cyclone Pam

Dispatches:
Cyclone Pam cripples sexual and reproductive health services in Vanuatu
Thousands of pregnant women require care in cyclone-slammed Vanuatu
Women and girls must be at the core of Cyclone Pam response

Press releases:
UNFPA partners with civil society to ensure inclusive response to Cyclone Pam
UNFPA ensuring reproductive health coverage for women and girls in the aftermath of Cyclone Pam

Related resources:
Relief Web: Vanuatu situation reports and updates
UNFPA Pacific Sub-Regional Office