WHO Safeguards During Crisis: Briefing Note on Preventing and Responding to Sexual Misconduct during Natural Hazards

Overview

Two powerful earthquakes struck Myanmar on 28 March 2025, killing thousands and displacing nearly 200,000 people. During such humanitarian crises, women and girls, owing to the intersection of their biological sex with social, economic, and cultural factors face severe health consequences. This includes gender based violence, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), unwanted pregnancies, teenage pregnancies, unsafe abortion, other communicable diseases and mental health challenges.

The Note provides practical guidance on intentionally integrating Preventing and Responding to Sexual Misconduct (PRS) in emergency preparedness and response across key delivery points - Control Rooms, Health Facilities and Evacuation Camps before, during and after hazard strikes.

Drawing on lessons from Myanmar, it calls on all stakeholders to prioritize gender-responsive health actions and reaffirms WHO’s commitment to supporting Member States in building inclusive, gender-equal and resilient health systems during emergencies.