One month on from the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria
On February 6, 2023, just over one month ago, devastating earthquakes struck Türkiye and Syria. Another powerful quake hit the region on February 20. In their wake, more than 50,000 people are dead, hundreds of thousands of buildings, including UNFPA safe spaces and clinics have collapsed, and more than 1.5 million people are homeless. 15 million people are in need of aid, including 38,000 women who will give birth in the next month.
We have been on the ground in Türkiye and Syria for more than 50 years, so we were able to immediately begin addressing the humanitarian needs of all survivors and the sexual and reproductive health needs of affected women and girls. But with the scale of the disaster so large, we also launched a public fundraising campaign to help us scale our efforts. We are so grateful to our supporters for making this care possible. Survivors of this crisis in Türkiye and Syria have received lifesaving care because of your generosity.
Below you can see some photos that showcase the impact your support has made on the ground for earthquake survivors:
In northwest Syria, UNFPA was part of the first cross-border convoy to arrive with much needed emergency relief. More than 4 million people needed humanitarian assistance even before the earthquake due to conflict and displacement.
UNFPA has been steadily distributing care packages across the region, including mama kits, dignity kits, and warm clothing and blankets.
Mama kits support new mothers with essential items like diapers. Dignity kits contain care items like soap, toothbrushes, flashlights, menstrual products, and more.
With many hospitals and medical centers severely damaged or destroyed by the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, one month on, UNFPA mobile health teams are taking reproductive health care directly to women and girls on the ground. They are providing critical maternal and mental health care, contraception services, as well as support for survivors of violence.
Even though the media cameras have begun to turn away, our work is not done. UNFPA will stay on the ground until every survivor has the relief they need. To join us in being there for every woman and girl, no matter what, make a donation today.