Disaster And Humanitarian Services for Women’s Health in Nepal

In Nepal, natural calamities such as earthquake, floods, landslides, lightening and fire are mostly noticeable disasters that threat to socio-economic loss of the country and people as well. Its effect is observed as even more severe on women, especially to young girls.The earthquake of 2015 affected 5.6 million people including 93,000 pregnant women. Although different governmental and non-government organizations participated actively in post-disaster management, UNFPA particularly focused on its activities towards vulnerable groups such as women, newborns and adolescents. These groups were supported by Minimal Initial Service Package (MISP) that included dignity kits, female-friendly spaces, psychosocial support, reproductive health kits and protection and awareness messages. Life-saving reproductive health camps were organized in the 14 disaster affected districts by partner organizations of UNFPA. Similarly, 14 transition homes were established specially for pregnant and postpartum mothers and health service providers were trained on Clinical Management of Rape as well. Adolescent girls and women were supported through psychosocial counseling and psychological first aid.To conclude, these group must be address further with additional support in terms of capacity building and resource management during reconstruction and rehabilitation phase.