UNFPA Press

Child Marriage Surge Threatens Girls in Gaza

UNFPA analysis released April 6, 2026 documents a sharp rise in child marriage and adolescent pregnancy in Gaza following more than two years of war. At least 400 girls aged 14 to 16 were granted marriage permissions by emergency courts over just four months in 2025, up from a pre-war rate of 11% in 2022. Adolescent birth rates have more than doubled compared to pre-war levels, with adolescent girls accounting for 12% of all reported gender-based violence survivors in the Occupied Palestinian territories in 2025. UNFPA is seeking US$20 million to scale up support for adolescent girls and youth through safe spaces, counselling, cash assistance, and dignity kits.

Sixth UNFPA-Supported Medical Facility in Ukraine Attacked

On 31 March 2026, attacks on Sloviansk City damaged a UNFPA-supported maternity hospital, marking the sixth UNFPA-supported health facility attacked in Ukraine this year. The attack on Odesa Maternity Hospital No. 5 on 28 March placed 32 patients, 22 newborns, and 27 medical workers at risk, all of whom were evacuated safely. UNFPA reported that Ukraine has seen nearly 3,000 healthcare facilities attacked since the full-scale invasion began, with attacks on maternity hospitals violating international humanitarian law.

PNG and UNFPA Renew $1.52M Reproductive Health Supplies Compact 2026–2027

The Government of Papua New Guinea and UNFPA formalized renewal of the UNFPA Supplies Compact for 2026–2027, securing $1,520,000 from PNG for 2026 and an indicative $1,525,000 for 2027, with UNFPA matching these commitments. The agreement covers approximately half of all reproductive and maternal health commodity costs for 2026, with UNFPA having contributed over $3 million for commodity procurement in 2024 and 2025. PNG is positioned as one of the highest contributing Supplies Compact countries in the Asia Pacific region, supporting national priorities to reduce maternal mortality and address unmet family planning needs through a strengthened supply chain.