ISLAMABAD: The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has issued an alert about more than half a million pregnant women affected by floods and tormenting rains in Pakistan.
In a statement, the UNFPA said 650,000 pregnant women, out of which 73,000 are expected to deliver babies in flood-hit areas in September, and they are in dire need of healthcare.
The UN agency also warned about an increased risk of gender-based violence (GBV) against women and young girls as almost one million houses were damaged in the floods that spelled suffering for millions across Pakistan.
According to UNFPA, “Up to 73,000 women are expecting babies next month (September) and they need skilled birth attendants, newborn care, and support.” Pregnancies and childbirth cannot wait for emergencies or natural disasters to be over, hence pregnant women need the most care.
“UNFPA is on the ground, working with partners, to ensure that pregnant women and new mothers continue receiving life-saving services even under the most challenging conditions,” acting UNFPA Pakistan Representative Dr Bakhtior Kadirov said.
