UN Requests $10 Million More for Pregnant Women and Adolescents Post-Venezuela Earthquakes

The United Nations has urgently requested an additional $10 million to support sexual and reproductive health services for women and adolescents impacted by devastating earthquakes in Venezuela. Paula Narváez, the UN Population Fund's (UNFPA) regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean, stated that the funds are crucial one month after the tremors.

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Women do not stop giving birth during an emergency. However, vulnerable women and adolescents are more likely to be isolated from the vital services they need.

Narváez explained that the earthquakes severely damaged 41 health centers, with three rendered completely inoperable. This destruction has placed immense strain on already limited resources, making it difficult to provide essential care. "Women do not stop giving birth during an emergency. However, vulnerable women and adolescents are more likely to be isolated from the vital services they need," she noted.

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Gender-based violence increases in all crises. Therefore, protection, including protection from sexual abuse and exploitation, must be a key element of any humanitarian response.

The UNFPA is also calling for informational workshops to help identify gender-based violence, as the risk significantly increases in displacement camps. Narváez emphasized that "gender-based violence increases in all crises." She acknowledged that while specific figures on gender-based violence are still being compiled, known cases are likely just "the tip of the iceberg," with many minors not reporting abuse due to fear of reprisal. International cooperation, particularly from gynecologists and doctors from the Dominican Republic, is providing on-the-ground support.

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The cases we know are only the tip of the iceberg and many minors who suffer it do not report it for fear of reprisal.