3 months on: World Vision and UNFPA launch health emergency response in Odette-stricken Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Island

Child-focused development and relief organization World Vision, with funding support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), launched its health emergency response to address the needs of affected families, especially mothers and children in communities severely struck by Typhoon Odette.

With the funding support from the United Nation Central Emergency Response Fund (UN CERF) of UNFPA, health activities such as cash assistance and medical mission for pregnant and lactating women and repair support of local health facilities damaged by the typhoon are implemented.

The project is conducted to ensure that the mothers and their children will continue to receive quality health care and services.

“The support we receive from UNFPA will allow us to cater to the health needs of pregnant women, mothers, and infants who are vulnerable during this time of disaster,” shared Rommel V. Fuerte, national director of World Vision in the Philippines.

The partnership has reached far flung communities in Dinagat and Siargao islands, and populated communities in Surigao City.

On March 11, 23-year-old Meriel joined the Reproductive Health Medical Mission (RHMM) in Surigao City. Along with other participants, they learned about safe pregnancy, proper breastfeeding, and more.

“I learned many important topics that can help me recover well after I gave birth to my 2-week-old son,” the mother shared. “I also learned about the proper ways to take care of my child,” she added.

The partnership also worked with the local government’s vaccination team to offer free COVID-19 vaccination after the activity.

The health response project from World Vision and UNFPA aims to assist more than 1,500 mothers with RHMM, 1,500 pregnant and postpartum women with cash assistance, and 10 maternity and health facilities through repairs and equipping.

More recently, World Vision and UNFPA successfully finished its health response for mothers and children in the Typhoon Goni-stricken province of Catanduanes in southern Luzon.



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