Support for displaced pregnant women

At least 3,000 pregnant women have fled the fighting in Northern Sri Lanka in recent days and some 350 will give birth in the next month, according to estimates by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund. With increasing influx of internally displaced persons (IDPs), UNFPA is stepping up its support for the health and safety of women and girls affected by the conflict, particularly those who are pregnant.

Typically, around 15 percent of women giving birth will develop complications that require blood transfusions or emergency surgical care. Pregnancy - related disabilities and death often rise in conflict situations when reproductive health services are disrupted.

The number of IDPs in camps run by the Sri Lankan Government rose from 65,000 to 190,000 in just a few days after a mass civilian exodus from the combat zone on April 20.

In response, UNFPA is expanding support for mobile reproductive health clinics offering prenatal and postnatal care, services for the prevention of Sexually transmitted diseases and HIV, and psychosocial counselling. Since late December 2008, 139 mobile clinic sessions have been conducted in Vavuniya and Mannar, serving 5,550 people.

The Fund will continue distributing personal hygiene packs for displaced women and girls, maternity kits for pregnant women, and reproductive health supplies for hospitals providing emergency life-saving care for pregnant women.