Senegal's humanitarian needs are driven mainly by recurring floods during the rainy season and food insecurity, both of which are exacerbated by the effects of climate change. The country also hosts a high number of refugees originating mostly from Mauritania. In instances of displacement, women and girls are more vulnerable to exploitation and violence and are often unable to access life-saving health care. UNFPA works to improve awareness of and access to sexual and reproductive health services and supports mechanisms to prevent and respond to gender-based violence.
Sierra Leone is prone to natural disasters and disease. The deadly outbreak of Ebola in 2014 weakened the country's health system and devastated the lives and livelihoods of many. Torrential rainfalls can also cause widespread displacement. In these kinds of crises, women, adolescent girls and children face heightened risks of experiencing health problems and violence because they are often left to care for the sick and must travel long distances to find basic resources and shelter. UNFPA has been working to increase the country's preparedness in the event of such emergencies, has helped to strengthen facilities to provide sexual and reproductive health services and has helped to establish mechanisms to prevent and respond to gender-based violence.
Ghana is regularly affected by floods and prone to earthquakes. Although the country is generally stable, some areas in the north still regularly experience episodes of conflict and violence. UNFPA provides assistance to people affected by conflict and disasters as well as to refugees and asylum seekers in Ghana. The main focus of UNFPA's response is on adolescents' access to sexual and reproductive health services and gender-based violence prevention and response. UNFPA also distributes dignity kits to support people in meeting their basic hygiene needs.
The conflict in the Central Sahel region, one of the world’s fastest-growing emergencies, has created a protection crisis for women and girls. Escalating violence and displacement have heightened the risk of gender-based violence and harmful practices and disrupted access to basic services, including sexual and reproductive health services. Key areas of UNFPA’s humanitarian action in Burkina Faso include GBV prevention and response, family planning, support to health facilities providing emergency obstetric care, and other SRH services, including adolescent- and youth-friendly services.