Floods put 17,490 pregnant women at risk: UNFPA

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) report said around 13 lakh people across seven districts of the Chattogram division suffered losses due to floods and landslides in July and August.

This affected population includes 1,17,000 adolescent girls and 17,490 pregnant women who face specific risks. Floods impacted 43,000 refugees in the Rohingya camps of Cox’s Bazar, leaving 9,707 of them newly displaced.

Moreover, 15,600 people with disabilities and nearly 200 members of the Hijra community remain in extreme crisis.

UNFPA report identifies Bandarban district as having the most alarming situation, where around 5,500 pregnant women are trapped in flood-hit areas. Transportation system in the hilly region has made it impossible for them to reach hospitals.

In Rohingya camps, the floodwaters submerged two women-friendly centers and four health centers. Overcrowding, a lack of lighting, and the absence of privacy and separate sanitation facilities in temporary shelters are making the safety of women and girls vulnerable.

Moreover, the economic crisis is fueling negative trends such as child marriage and child labor.

UNFPA has provided healthcare to 1,018 women, along with 4,500 dignity kits and 1,951 menstrual health kits.

However, the organization requires $966,930 (around Tk 11.6 crore) to maintain emergency services, yet it has only collected $130,330 (about Tk 1.55 million crore). This leaves a funding gap of $836,600 (nearly Tk 10.5 million crore).

The report issues an urgent call to restore emergency obstetric care and communications, ensure safe shelters, and eliminate the 87 percent fund deficit.