USAID provides UNFPA with additional USD 1.6 million to strengthen emergency preparedness and response for Pacific women’s health and protection from violence

SUVA, Fiji — The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) is providing the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) with additional USD 1.6 million grant aid for a new phase of UNFPA Pacific’s humanitarian action, aimed at strengthening emergency preparedness and response for Pacific island countries vulnerable to climate-induced and other disasters, especially for women and adolescents.

The second phase of the programme, which will be implemented until February 2025, will assist 14 Pacific island countries and territories (PICTs) with integration of sexual and reproductive health (SRH), gender-based violence (GBV), and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) in their disaster preparedness policies and plans, including by ‘pre-positioning’ of necessary equipment.  Phase II will further strengthen their national and sub-national capacities for crisis response with delivering life-saving SRH, MHPSS and GBV services, including through “Women and Girls Safe Space.”

“We are grateful to USAID as its generous continued and increased funding support will enable UNFPA Pacific to accelerate our contributions to the Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS) for addressing the special needs of women of reproductive age including pregnant women and adolescent girls, and persons with disabilities, during emergencies. When a climate crisis or health pandemic hits, these women will require life-saving services including for their maternal health, or treatment for sexual violence, and psychosocial support,” said Iori Kato, UNFPA Pacific Director and Country Representative in Fiji.

"In times of disaster, the continuity of critical lifeline services can help mitigate impacts and support a faster road to recovery for affected communities," said USAID Mission Director for the Pacific Islands Zema Semunegus. "The U.S. government, through USAID, will work side by side with UNFPA and Pacific Island governments to ensure that women, girls and other vulnerable groups’ protection and sexual and reproductive health concerns are prioritized in disaster preparedness and response efforts.”

This USAID/BHA-funded Humanitarian Preparedness and Response Programme Phase II is a part of UNFPA’s new 7th Multi-Country Programme for 14 Pacific Island Countries and Territories (2023-2027), implemented through UNFPA Pacific Sub-Regional Office (PSRO) in Fiji and other country offices across the region.