Ukraine Humanitarian Newsletter, Issue 01, September 2015

In the last couple of months, humanitarian actors have not been able to deliver reproductive health supplies or assess the quality, availability, accessibility and acceptability of the existing gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services in non-government-controlled areas. To determine the SRH and GBV needs, UNFPA has conducted population-based estimates that show an urgent need for support for both women and men in the conflict-affected provinces.

GBV responses that are adequate and sensitive to survivors’ needs at the local context are reportedly lacking on both sides of the contact line. 

There is an urgent need to sensitize police personnel dealing with survivors of GBV. Better coordination mechanisms are required for referrals and services for survivors of GBV. To provide quality services, all staff involved in GBV prevention and response require continuous training. Due to the lack of appropriate services, some pregnant women affected by conflict and insecurity travel to neighbouring regions for delivery. Due to displacement of population, health facilities have to cope with higher number of patients, with available budgets remained unchanged.