Pyongyang – The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is delivering essential Dignity Kits and lifesaving reproductive health services for women and girls under coordinated UN humanitarian relief efforts in areas devastated by flash floods and landslides.
Triggered by Typhoon Lionrock, the ongoing crisis is one of the country’s worst natural disasters ever. More than 140,000 people have been severely affected, of whom approximately 35,000 are estimated to be women of reproductive age, an estimate that may rise as the full scale of the devastation becomes clearer. In all, as many as 600,000 people need some form of assistance.
“Water, food and shelter are prioritized in emergencies, but the very special needs of women and girls – personal hygiene, sexual and reproductive health, safe childbirth, and protection – cannot be ignored,” noted Rizvina De Alwis, UNFPA Representative in DPRK. “Just as we do in many countries facing crises, UNFPA is working to help ensure that these special needs are met.”
So far, UNFPA has dispatched 8,000 of its trademark Dignity Kits containing sanitary pads, clothing and other personal hygiene items essential to restoring a sense of normalcy and dignity to women and girls, so that they can be mobile and access relief aid and services more easily even in these difficult circumstances. UNFPA aims to mobilize resources to procure additional Dignity Kits to meet the needs of all women of reproductive age.
It’s estimated that more than 1,600 pregnant women require urgent assistance in the affected areas at this time. UNFPA will work with the government to provide life saving reproductive health supplies to meet the needs of pregnant women. In addition, with the receipt of funds from the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), UNFPA will procure additional reproductive health kits and supplies, including medical items to support obstetric and gynecological services that help ensure safe childbirth and essential pre- and post-natal care for mothers and babies even in an otherwise shattered environment.
According to an initial rapid assessment conducted by a government-led joint mission including UN agencies, the International Federation of the Red Cross and several international NGOs, 25 out of 98 health facilities in Haeryong city and Musan County have been severely damaged, with a loss of critical equipment and lifesaving medicine, putting women and girls – including pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers -- at increased risk.
As DPRK’s severe winter approaches, with temperatures that can drop dangerously to -25 degrees Celsius (-77 degrees Fahrenheit) in the affected areas, the situation could get even worse.
To fully carry out its humanitarian response in DPRK over the next six months, UNFPA is requesting almost USD 708,000 under an overall UN appeal which includes additional CERF funds.
“We are committed to supporting affected communities, including women and girls, together with other UN partners,” said Dealwis. “No matter where they occur, crises like this underscore our shared humanity.”
For more information, please contact Roy Wadia, UNFPA Asia-Pacific, Bangkok: +66 2 687 0111 / +66 848 752 634 / wadia@unfpa.org
