UNFPA’s initial estimates indicate some 50,000 pregnant women and girls could be among the survivors.

The toll of deaths and injuries continues to mount days after a devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake jolted Nepal on 25 April. Pregnant women affected by the disaster require maternal health services, including antenatal care, safe delivery services, post-partum care, and, for those who experience complications, emergency obstetric services, it said.

Protections for women and girls from gender-based-voilence and other threats will also be critical, said the UN agency

“In times of upheaval or natural disasters, pregnancy-related deaths and gender-based violence soar,” said Priya Marwh, UNFPA’s humanitarian response coordinator in Asia and the Pacific. “Many women lose access to essential reproductive health services and give birth in appalling conditions without access to safe delivery services and lifesaving care.”

UNFPA is coordinating with the Government and humanitarian partners to respond to these needs. Emergency staff members are being deployed, and dignity kits and reproductive health kits are en route to Nepal.

“The Fund is particularly concerned about the fate of pregnant women who have been affected by this tragedy, including those who might face potentially life-threatening complications,” said UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, in as statement on the disaster.

“All efforts will be exerted to support their safety and the safety of their babies.”