18 May 2022, Kyiv, Ukraine - The European Commission contributed EUR 1.5 million to UNFPA’s humanitarian response in Ukraine, focusing on the reproductive health of women and girls and the well-being of survivors of gender-based violence, including survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.

The grant will support the establishment of two mobile healthcare units for emergency obstetric and newborn care in war-affected regions. The contribution will provide medical supplies and equipment for 24 perinatal centres and specialised maternity facilities, where the services are scarce, as well as essential hygiene kits for pregnant women are urgently needed.

“History has shown time and again that women bear the brunt of wars and conflicts, and the war in Ukraine is no different. The support to UNFPA will fund the immediate humanitarian response for women and girls, including survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, with access to sexual and reproductive health response services. This also includes life-saving medical care,” said EU Commissioner for Crisis Management, Mr Janez Lenarčič.

“For pregnant women, the crisis in Ukraine is devastating. What should be a time of joy, giving birth, has become very dangerous, especially in areas of active hostilities,” said UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem. "Thanks to the European Union’s contribution, UNFPA will increase its provision of life-saving reproductive health services and help equip health facilities with much-needed supplies.”.

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About UNFPA humanitarian appeal for Ukraine

For its humanitarian appeal, UNFPA in Ukraine is requesting US$ 47.75 million to respond to the urgent needs of women and girls and provide life-saving assistance. To date, UNFPA Ukraine Country Office has received 30% funding for the total request.

About EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid (DG ECHO):

The European Union and its Member States are the world's leading donor of humanitarian aid.  Relief assistance is an expression of European solidarity with people in need all around the world. It aims to save lives, prevent and alleviate human suffering, and safeguard the integrity and human dignity of populations affected by natural disasters and man-made crises.         

Through the European Commission’s Civil Protection and Humanitarian aid Operations department, the European Union helps millions of victims of conflict and disasters every year. With headquarters in Brussels and a global network of field offices, the EU provides assistance to the most vulnerable people on the basis of humanitarian needs.