ReliefWeb: Bringing Communities Together to Prepare for Emergencies

We know that crises are especially devastating for the most vulnerable, isolated members of communities — including older persons and persons with disabilities. These individuals have specific needs and vulnerabilities that are only worsened amidst the breakdown of services during natural disasters and conflict. This includes protection and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs. To ensure that lifesaving SRH services are included in humanitarian response, the Women’s Refugee Commission (WRC) partners with communities to prepare for emergencies. We have found that persons with disabilities and older persons are consistently left out of emergency preparedness planning, so their unique needs and priorities go unaddressed.