The earthquakes that struck Myanmar on 28 March have had a devastating impact on health systems, severely limiting access to life-saving services for women and girls. Over 4.6 million women of reproductive age, including more than 220,000 who are currently pregnant, are at risk in the affected areas. Damage to health infrastructure, compounded by flooding, insecurity, and supply chain disruptions, has created dangerous gaps in emergency obstetric care, family planning, and menstrual hygiene. Gender-based violence (GBV) risks are rising sharply, particularly in overcrowded and poorly lit shelters where exploitation, abuse, early marriage, and trafficking have been reported. Access to safe shelter, legal support, and basic documentation remains limited, and the risk of disease outbreaks such as cholera, dengue, and malaria is increasing with the monsoon.
In response, UNFPA is delivering critical services in sexual and reproductive health (SRH), GBV, and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) across the hardest-hit regions. Since the start of the response, more than 24,700 people have accessed essential SRH services at 41 health entry points, with a notable rise in antenatal care and family planning uptake in recent weeks. Over 1,100 clean delivery kits have been distributed to pregnant women, including those with disabilities. UNFPA and partners have reached more than 21,700 individuals with integrated GBV and MHPSS support, trained 171 frontline providers, and are establishing four additional women and girls safe spaces. Nearly 21,000 dignity kits have also been distributed. National coordination is ongoing with SRH and GBV partners, supported by regular working group meetings and planned health assessments in collaboration with the Health Cluster.
UNFPA’s emergency response plan requires $12 million to sustain and expand these life-saving services between April and September 2025. To date, only $3.7 million has been mobilized, leaving a critical gap. With the monsoon season intensifying humanitarian needs, flexible funding is urgently needed to reach the most vulnerable women and girls with the care, protection, and dignity they deserve.
