El Salvador Humanitarian Emergency

El Salvador is the smallest and most densely populated country in Central America. The country's security situation has rapidly deteriorated over the last several years. The country continues to suffer from extreme levels of gang-related violence and has one of the highest homicide rates in the world. Additionally, El Salvador is extremely vulnerable to climate shocks, with 95% of the population living in high-risk areas. Recurrent droughts and floods have increased the risk of food insecurity. El Salvador, together with Guatemala and Honduras, make up the so-called "northern triangle", a region where widespread violence and insecurity, poverty and climate shocks have produced high levels of forced migration. Conditions along irregular migration routes are precarious, with almost no possibilities for meeting basic needs, including personal hygiene. Women and girls also face increased risks of sexual violence and exploitation. UNFPA supports health centers serving migrant women in the western part of the El Salvador, along the border with Guatemala (San Cristóbal, La Hachadura and Las Chinamas). The objective is to improve availability and access to contraceptives (including emergency oral contraception), antiretroviral drugs for people living with HIV/AIDS, and antibiotics for women and young people. In addition to providing supplies, UNFPA also trains local health personnel on various aspects of sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence.