UNITED NATIONS, N.Y. In the aftermath of devastating tsunamis that struck several South and South-east Asian countries on Sunday, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is calling on governments, sister UN agencies and other humanitarian partners to ensure that the special needs of women and girls are factored into all short- and medium-term relief planning.
Tens of thousands of people are feared dead and hundreds of thousands have lost their homes and livelihoods as a direct result of the giant waves triggered by an undersea earthquake in the Indian Ocean. But the United Nations warns that a second wave of the disaster could be even deadlier than the first, as millions of people face health risks due to contamination of drinking water and devastation of health infrastructure.
To help meet immediate needs, UNFPA has committed up to $1 million and additional staff for rapid health assessments, hygiene needs and health supplies, including water purification tablets. UNFPA is collaborating closely with governments and other UN agencies and humanitarian partners to assess immediate and longer-term needs and to develop an inter-agency Flash Appeal to be issued to major donors in the coming days.
UNFPA executive director Thoraya Obaid said on Monday that while the magnitude of this disaster may be unprecedented, we already know from our experience in previous crises such as last years earthquake in Bam, Iran, and the hurricanes that struck the Caribbean earlier this year that women and girls will be hit especially hard.
Among the affected are tens of thousands of pregnant and nursing women, who are especially susceptible to waterborne diseases and may require supplementary feeding, prenatal care and delivery assistance. Even in ideal circumstances, some 15 percent of pregnant women require emergency obstetric care to avoid maternal and infant deaths. UNFPA warns that physical and psychological trauma will mean even more pregnant women in need.
To address these concerns, UNFPA is working with partners to ensure that all humanitarian assistance addresses the special vulnerability of women and girls in disaster-affected areas. Priority areas to be addressed by UNFPA in a soon-to-be-issued donor appeal will include emergency obstetric care, the establishment of temporary health facilities, and the provision of equipment and supplies.
Source: UNFPA
Stay prepared and protected with Infection Control Today's newsletter, delivering essential updates, best practices, and expert insights for infection preventionists.
Reducing Hidden Risks: Why Sharps Injuries Still Go Unreported
July 18th 2025Despite being a well-known occupational hazard, sharps injuries continue to occur in health care facilities and are often underreported, underestimated, and inadequately addressed. A recent interview with sharps safety advocate Amanda Heitman, BSN, RN, CNOR, a perioperative educational consultant, reveals why change is overdue and what new tools and guidance can help.
New Study Explores Oral Vancomycin to Prevent C difficile Recurrence, But Questions Remain
July 17th 2025A new clinical trial explores the use of low-dose oral vancomycin to prevent Clostridioides difficile recurrence in high-risk patients taking antibiotics. While the data suggest a possible benefit, the findings stop short of statistical significance and raise red flags about vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), underscoring the delicate balance between prevention and antimicrobial stewardship.
The Next Frontier in Infection Control: AI-Driven Operating Rooms
Published: July 15th 2025 | Updated: July 15th 2025Discover how AI-powered sensors, smart surveillance, and advanced analytics are revolutionizing infection prevention in the OR. Herman DeBoard, PhD, discusses how these technologies safeguard sterile fields, reduce SSIs, and help hospitals balance operational efficiency with patient safety.
CDC Urges Vigilance: New Recommendations for Monitoring and Testing H5N1 Exposures
July 11th 2025With avian influenza A(H5N1) infections surfacing in both animals and humans, the CDC has issued updated guidance calling for aggressive monitoring and targeted testing to contain the virus and protect public health.
A Helping Hand: Innovative Approaches to Expanding Hand Hygiene Programs in Acute Care Settings
July 9th 2025Who knew candy, UV lights, and a college kid in scrubs could double hand hygiene adherence? A Pennsylvania hospital’s creative shake-up of its infection prevention program shows that sometimes it takes more than soap to get hands clean—and keep them that way.