World Humanitarian Day is a time to recognize those who face danger and adversity in order to help others. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the spirit that inspires humanitarian work.

Today, millions of people around the world are affected by crises and need humanitarian assistance. Women and girls face especially difficult challenges in these situations. The risk of violence escalates, and their access to health care declines. More than half of all maternal deaths are believed to occur in fragile states and humanitarian settings. 

UNFPA works closely with partners to ensure that reproductive health is integrated into emergency responses. UNFPA also deploys hygiene supplies, obstetric and family planning supplies, health personnel, counsellors and other support to vulnerable populations, and works to ensure the needs of women and young people are served through both the emergency and the reconstruction phases.

This year's World Humanitarian Day salutes the countless #WomenHumanitarians who are working around the world to help people in need. Many of them are themselves survivors of conflict, who are rising above their daily challenges to help their communities heal.