Emergencies

According to the International Rescue Committee (IRC), more than 1.5 million refugees have fled Ukraine since the Russian invasion on 24 February 2022, the vast majority of whom are women and children. Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) is a core component of the primary health care package that saves lives and upholds human dignity and must be ensured for those fleeing Ukraine. As the crisis unfolds, IAWG members are encouraged to share their guidance, evidence, and advocacy on this webpage.

West and Central Africa are facing renewed outbreaks of Ebola virus disease (EVD). The Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo declared an outbreak of EVD on 7 February 2021 after the confirmation of one case in Butembo, North Kivu Province. Genetic sequencing analysis indicates that this outbreak is linked to the two-year-long outbreak that took place in North Kivu and Ituri provinces from 2018 to 2020.

IAWG recognizes the rapidly evolving and increasingly acute humanitarian crises in Afghanistan due to the recent escalation of violence–including specifically against women and girls–and mass displacement of an estimated 3.5 million people. We recognize that community leaders, particularly those who advocate for and advance the lives of women and girls, are on the frontlines of the crises that are currently unfolding and deepening.

Several crises unfolding in July and August 2021 have deepened humanitarian needs and crises in Haiti. Recent political instability and violence, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake, Tropical Storm Grace, and rising COVID-19 rates exacerbate existing humanitarian needs for communities in Haiti.

The multiple, intersecting, and escalating crises affecting Lebanon also create SRH service gaps, which many community-based organizations are dedicated to serving.

IAWG members and partners are producing clinical and programmatic guidance, assessments, policy papers, and statements to ensure continued prioritization of sexual and reproductive health and rights throughout COVID-19 response in humanitarian settings, and to bring a gender lens to the response.