UNFPA hands over emergency supplies to strengthen Lanka's disaster response for Women

To help ensure that the health, safety, and dignity of women and girls remain protected during emergencies and disasters, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) today handed over emergency supplies worth USD 250,641 to the Ministry of Health to strengthen disaster preparedness. This initiative was made possible with the generous support of the Governments of Australia and New Zealand.

The official handover ceremony, held at the Family Health Bureau, brought together key leaders from government, humanitarian, and diplomatic missions, including Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Minister of Health and Mass Media; David Pine, High Commissioner of New Zealand to Sri Lanka; Ruth Baird, Deputy High Commissioner of Australia to Sri Lanka; Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media; Dr. Vindya Kumarapeli, Deputy Director-General of Health Services; Dr. Chandima Sirithunga, Director of the Family Health Bureau; Phuntsho Wangyel, Representative of UNFPA Sri Lanka; and representatives from the Disaster Management Centre.

As disasters including climate-induced floods, landslides, and extreme weather become more frequent across Sri Lanka, women and girls routinely face disproportionate risks. Beyond the destruction of infrastructure, disasters also disrupt essential maternal healthcare, cut off access to basic hygiene products, and heighten the risk of gender-based violence.

The emergency package features 8 High-Performance Tents, 999 Midwifery Go-Bags, 1,283 Maternity Kits,246 Elderly Kits, and 1,659 Dignity Kits containing essential hygiene supplies to support women and girls to manage their menstruation in displacement settings.

Under the leadership of the Ministry of Health, these specialized resources will be strategically pre-positioned in districts that are most vulnerable to disasters.

Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Minister of Health and Mass Media, said, "Building a resilient health sector requires strong, proactive measures before disasters strike. Partnering with UNFPA and with the Governments of Australia and New Zealand has enabled us to enhance our local healthcare capacity, ensuring that maternal and child healthcare, along with protection services, remain uninterrupted even during the most severe emergencies."

David Pine, High Commissioner of New Zealand to Sri Lanka, added, "Effective disaster management relies on foresight and coordination. New Zealand’s support reflects our commitment to helping Sri Lanka build inclusive resilience, ensuring that vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women, older persons, and young girls, are protected during times of displacement."

Ruth Baird, Deputy High Commissioner of Australia to Sri Lanka, said, “Australia is proud to stand alongside Sri Lanka in strengthening disaster preparedness and response systems that are both comprehensive and inclusive. Protecting the safety and dignity of women and girls during crises is essential to community recovery.”

Phuntsho Wangyel, UNFPA Representative a.i. in Sri Lanka, said, "In times of crisis, sexual and reproductive healthcare needs do not stop, nor does our social responsibility to keep women and girls safe. By pre-positioning these resources directly in vulnerable communities, we are ensuring that when disaster strikes, frontline teams can provide time critical lifesaving services immediately, safeguarding dignity, health, and safety of women and girls who are among the most vulnerable.”