Sweden renews its support for UNFPA’s core resources, ensuring swift response to crises affecting women and girls

NEW YORK, United Nations – The Government of Sweden has reiterated its commitment to and trust in UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, with a contribution of SEK 89.7 million (US$8.1 million) to prevent maternal mortality and combat gender-based violence, particularly in humanitarian settings.

As global humanitarian needs surge, resources are increasingly scarce. Life-saving interventions, such as those implemented by UNFPA to deliver babies safely, counter gender-based violence and provide crucial commodities and medicines, remain critically underfunded.

Without adequate support, millions of women and girls risk being deprived of essential services that uphold their dignity, safety and autonomy. Currently, six in 10 maternal deaths occur in emergency settings – deaths which are largely preventable with timely access to skilled care. As pregnancy and childbirth do not stop in times of crisis, neither should access to high-quality, life-saving care.

“We see how humanitarian crises around the world are becoming deeper and more numerous, while funding is not increasing at the same pace,” said Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa. “A record number of people are displaced. More than a million people are on the brink of starvation in Gaza, Haiti, Mali, Sudan and South Sudan. Sweden’s development assistance makes a difference in these heartbreaking situations,” he added. 

Sweden’s contribution will be directed to UNFPA’s core resources for 2024. These flexible funds enable UNFPA and its partners to be present before, during and after crises, safeguarding the health and rights of women and girls when they need it most.

"With so many humanitarian crises unfolding, Sweden’s flexible support is needed more than ever,” said UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem. “Core resources and other flexible funding enable UNFPA to plan ahead, respond swiftly to emergencies and provide tailored support to address the unique needs of women and girls facing enormous hardships."

The UN projects that more than 300 million people currently require humanitarian assistance – a figure that will likely increase next year. Women and girls in crisis settings are particularly vulnerable, often lacking access to essential maternal health care and other sexual and reproductive health services.

UNFPA deeply appreciates the commitment of Sweden to deliver a world in which every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled, including through core resources, and other flexible funding. 

For more information: https://www.unfpa.org/core-resources-mobilization