As we celebrate World Humanitarian Day, I salute those who respond to crises and work tirelessly to save people in times of deep distress and danger. Today’s theme, “The World Needs More Humanitarian Heroes,” calls attention to the courage and commitment of humanitarians who respond to increasing disasters and persistent conflicts around the world. They put their own lives at risk to save the lives of others.
One hero is Catherine Njeri Makumi, who works as a midwife in Juba, South Sudan, in a UNFPA-supported health centre. She assists women with difficult pregnancies, providing antenatal, obstetric and post-natal care. Connecting women with skilled midwives and doctors, and emergency reproductive health kits and commodities saves their lives and those of their newborns.
Another hero is Feeza Shraim, a midwife in Gaza, who provided health services for pregnant women until her clinic and home were destroyed in a recent airstrike. In Gaza, at least 11 hospitals, and several clinics and ambulances have sustained damage in the hostilities, limiting residents’ access to essential care.
The work of heroes, such as Catherine and Feeza, cannot be over-estimated. UNFPA estimates that some 30,000 women in South Sudan risk dying in childbirth and 200,000 pregnant women will need urgent care by the end of the year.In Gaza, some 160 deliveries are taking place every day and nearly 46,000 women are pregnant, including 10,000 displaced by the conflict. Shifa Hospital, Gaza’s largest, reported a 15 to 20 per cent increase in premature births linked to the stress of bombardments.
In Myanmar, Hkawng Gan manages two of the eight UNFPA-operated centres for women and girls in Kachin. She conducts information sessions on gender-based violence, gives support to survivors of sexual abuse, and works with volunteers in camps for internally displaced persons. More than 2,000 women and girls have found much-needed support and protection.
In Iraq, as the security situation worsens, UNFPA is securing health services for some 250,000 pregnant women in eight affected governorates, providing assistance to 85 hospitals and maternity centres and more than 200 primary health clinics.
Another humanitarian hero is Ruba Anga,a legal consultant at the Al-Halbouni health clinic in Syria. She provides support and services to women subjected to gender-based violence. An estimated 54,000 women have been put at greater risk of suffering from gender-based violence by Syria’s ongoing conflict.
The 2014 World Humanitarian Day campaign asks each of us to take action, make a difference and become a Messenger of Humanity. UNFPA is proud to take part and support the work of #humanitarianheroes far and wide.