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women and health officer during medical exam

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Syria must not be a silent crisis for women and girls says IPPF

In reaction to yesterday’s pledges made from donor governments to Syria's aid conference in London, IPPF Director General Tewodros Melesse said more action should be taken to ensure that sexual and ...

In reaction to yesterday’s pledges made from donor governments to Syria's aid conference in London, IPPF Director General Tewodros Melesse said more action should be taken to ensure that sexual and reproductive health and rights are at the centre of humanitarian efforts.

Mr Melesse stated that “We have seen some great progress and we must celebrate that governments have come together to tackle one of the largest humanitarian crises we have seen in a long time. But we must not forget that in the response, sexual and reproductive health services should also be a top priority.

Women and girls are disproportionately influenced by humanitarian crises exposed to early marriage, trafficking, rape, forced pregnancies, unattended service delivery during complicated pregnancies and delivery.

We could save lives by putting money and efforts into an integrated comprehensive package on reproductive health into the standard humanitarian response. IPPF has been doing this for years, our staff work on both sides of the border and on the frontline. Beyond the immediate crisis we also work with those affected for the long term”.

IPPF in Syria

In Syria 46,500 women will suffer gender based violence, including rape, as a result of the ongoing conflict. This shows a great need to ensure that the human rights of women and girls are protected and able to access sexual and reproductive healthcare.

IPPF Member, the Syrian Family Planning Association is on the front line when it comes to dealing with the less-reported consequence of every war- sexual and reproductive health and rights. Syrian Family Planning Association Executive Director Dr. Lama said “ When a woman comes to our services she  is typically lost and without hope. Our indicator of success  is that we help the hopeless to have  hope. We need more support to sustain and expand our services and to maintain the protection services we provided full of confidentiality and confidence. "

Over the last 10 years, IPPF has reached millions of people during floods, conflicts, earthquakes, cyclones. When health care often collapsed, our Member Associations continued to  reach the underserved, which makes three quarters of IPPF clients.

 

For more information or interviews contact press office 02079398227

when

country

Syria

Subject

Emergencies

Related Member Association

Syrian Family Planning Association