Mozambique, one of the poorest countries in the world, is highly vulnerable to climate shocks and has experienced multiple cyclones, droughts and floods in recent years. Cyclones Idai and Kenneth in 2019, which were among the worst natural disasters to ever hit the African continent, were especially destructive and left hundreds of thousands of people in need of humanitarian assistance and caused significant damage to health facilities. The country is grappling with widespread food insecurity and inadequate availability and accessibility of basic services such as healthcare, water and sanitation. In addition to climate shocks, parts of northern Mozambique are also facing worsening insecurity and conflict, which is exacerbating displacement and existing protection risks. According to the 2011 Demographic Health Survey, more than one in three Mozambican women, and more than 40% of women aged 20-24, have experienced physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives. Early and unwanted pregnancies are also common. UNFPA's humanitarian response in Mozambique includes the delivery of emergency reproductive health kits containing items used in health facilities as well as provision of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services and information to crisis-affected women and adolescents. UNFPA also supports safe spaces where women and youth can access SRH and protection services.
