Australia and UNFPA Step Up Emergency Support for Women and Girls Affected by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka

Australia has partnered with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to deliver urgent humanitarian assistance aimed at protecting women and girls across Sri Lanka following catastrophic floods and landslides caused by Cyclone Ditwah — one of the most severe climate-related disasters to hit the island in recent years.

The Australian Government has contributed AUD 500,000 to strengthen life-saving sexual and reproductive health services, referrals for survivors of gender-based violence, and psychosocial support across 10 of the worst-affected districts. The funding supports UNFPA’s USD 8.3 million emergency appeal and its one-year response plan to address the ongoing humanitarian needs.

During the initial emergency phase, UNFPA has worked closely with women and girls, including pregnant women, newborns, older women and women with disabilities. Through Australia’s Regional Prepositioning Initiative, UNFPA has distributed 700 dignity kits, 200 maternity kits, and provided cash assistance to 20 pregnant women from highly vulnerable households.

UNFPA is coordinating its response with the Government of Sri Lanka, including the Ministry of Health and local disaster management authorities, as well as humanitarian partners such as the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society. Planned interventions include mobile health clinics, cash and voucher assistance, restoration of damaged health facilities, and expanded mental health and psychosocial support through strengthened referral systems.

Australia’s Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs and International Education, Julian Hill, said Australia stands in solidarity with Sri Lanka during this crisis, emphasizing that ensuring access to essential health services and safeguarding the dignity and safety of women and girls is a key priority in recovery efforts.

UNFPA Officer in Charge for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Phuntsho Wangyel, noted that Cyclone Ditwah has severely disrupted access to essential sexual and reproductive health services while increasing risks of gender-based violence. He said UNFPA, with continued support from Australia, is scaling up life-saving services, restoring damaged facilities and providing critical psychosocial care so that no one is left behind.

Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Matthew Duckworth, highlighted the strong partnership between the two countries, stating that supporting UNFPA’s response will help ensure vulnerable women and girls receive the care and protection needed to rebuild their lives with dignity.