‘Women do not stop giving birth in an emergency’ – one month after Venezuela quakes
Women Do Not Stop Giving Birth: Venezuela Earthquake Recovery Update
One Month On: Mothers and Daughters Face Ongoing Crisis
Provpnmatrix.com – Women do not stop giving birth. That simple truth has become a critical concern one month after twin earthquakes devastated Venezuela, leaving thousands of women and girls without adequate access to healthcare and protection services. Paula Narvaez, UNFPA's Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, shared this insight during a press briefing in New York after visiting the hardest-hit areas.
The seismic events claimed more than 5,000 lives and displaced over 23,000 people. Yet Narvaez emphasized that these numbers tell only part of the story. "Statistics alone cannot capture the human toll and true scale of this tragedy," she explained, noting the emotional and social dimensions that extend far beyond death tolls and displacement figures.
During her field visit, Narvaez traveled to locations including La Guaira, where she witnessed families who had lost nearly everything but remained determined to rebuild. The resilience she observed was particularly evident in how women stepped up to support their communities while managing their own losses.
Healthcare Systems Struggle to Meet Women's Needs
Damage to medical facilities, critical shortages of medicines and equipment, and widespread service disruptions have left Venezuela's healthcare system struggling. Reproductive health services and emergency obstetric care have been particularly affected by the crisis.
"We know that women do not stop giving birth during an emergency, yet vulnerable women and adolescent girls are more likely to be cut off from the life-saving services they need," Narvaez stated.
This reality underscores why maternal and reproductive health must be prioritized in disaster response. Without adequate access to prenatal care, delivery services, and postnatal support, women and newborns face heightened risks of complications and mortality.
UNFPA Expands Life-Saving Response
Since the earthquakes struck, UNFPA has been rapidly scaling up reproductive health services while strengthening programs to prevent and respond to gender-based violence. The agency has already distributed reproductive health kits and provided medical equipment to 16 health facilities.
UNFPA is also collaborating with other United Nations agencies to ensure temporary shelters are designed and managed to be safer for women and girls, addressing critical concerns about security and privacy. [Read more about UNFPA's work in Latin America](https://news.un.org/en/regions/latin-america-caribbean).
"Venezuelan communities have demonstrated enormous strength and resilience," Ms. Narvaez said. "Their courage must now be matched with sustained international solidarity and support."
Funding Gap Threatens Recovery Efforts
UNFPA is calling for $10 million to expand its efforts and reach 121,000 people across the affected regions. To date, the agency has received only 40 percent of this crucial funding, leaving a significant gap in its ability to meet all identified needs.
The remaining funds will be essential for maintaining healthcare services, supporting vulnerable women and girls, and ensuring comprehensive recovery. As Venezuela continues to face both immediate aftermath and longer-term rebuilding challenges, international commitment remains vital.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people has UNFPA reached so far? UNFPA has already reached thousands of people through its emergency response, with plans to expand to 121,000 people with additional funding.
What specific services are being provided to women? Services include reproductive health kits, emergency obstetric care, gender-based violence prevention programs, and safe shelter arrangements.
Why is the funding gap critical? With only 40 percent of the $10 million requested received, UNFPA risks cutting short essential services for women and children who need ongoing support.
Which areas were hardest hit? La Guaira and surrounding regions experienced severe damage, with thousands displaced and healthcare facilities significantly impacted.