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Support UNFPA funding for tsunami relief
Since the December 26 tsunami, millions of women in the affected regions have been in desperate need of health care, particularly prenatal, maternal, and family planning services. UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, was one of the first organizations on the ground to help meet these needs, and it remains the only multilateral organization dedicated to reproductive health.
The Bush administration has withheld the congressionally approved contribution from UNFPA for the past three years, but this week the Senate will vote to release $3 million to UNFPA for its emergency relief work. This small amount of funding will help UNFPA provide emergency prenatal care and delivery assistance to pregnant women, serve as a resource for family planning services, and work to prevent rapes and other acts of violence against displaced women and girls.
Tell your senators to support this crucial amendment!
| Sample Letter for Campaign |
Subject: Support UNFPA funding for tsunami relief
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
I'm writing to urge you to support the Clinton amendment to HR 1268, the Emergency Supplemental Wartime Appropriations Act, calling on the United States to contribute $3 million to UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, for tsunami relief.
Women and girls are particularly vulnerable after natural disasters, and UNFPA is working to provide them with emergency prenatal care and delivery assistance, along with family planning services. To illustrate the extreme need in this region, the maternity kits being distributed by UNFPA include soap for hand washing, razor blades to cut umbilical cords, and blankets in which to wrap newborns - basic supplies without which both mother and baby run a high risk of contracting infections or dying during or after delivery.
UNFPA has a long record of responding effectively to the unique needs of women in the aftermath of disasters, and shortly after the start of the 2001 war in Afghanistan, the United States made an emergency grant of $600,000 to the organization.
Please support this crucial amendment.
Sincerely,
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Campaign Launched:
April 19, 2005
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UNFPA is the only international organization addressing the health and reproductive needs of women in emergencies. When the tsunami struck, UNFPA was one of the first organizations to provide assistance in the areas hardest hit by the tsunami: Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and the Maldives.
The United States is the only donor country NOT supporting UNFPA's emergency programs.
In the aftermath of disasters, women and girls are particularly vulnerable to infection and death. Pregnant women are more susceptible to iron and vitamin deficiencies, including anemia, and to waterborne diseases. Nursing mothers also require special health care to ensure the health of themselves and their babies. Women in refugee camps are also more likely to suffer sexual assault and other acts of violence.
Additionally, women, men, and teens in the affected area are in need of reproductive health supplies, including family planning supplies, which UNFPA is working to provide.
According to UNFPA, its immediate response has included:
- provision of supplies and equipment needed for safe delivery — including clean delivery kits, life-saving medicines, safe blood supply, and protection against HIV
- distribution of more than 700,000 hygiene kits — including soap, washcloths, and sanitary napkins — for tens of thousands of women and their families
- prevention of and treatment for sexual violence
- help with rehabilitation of health facilities and reestablishment of health services, such as emergency obstetric care
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