U.N. seeks emergency funds for Peru

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The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) launched an emergency appeal this week for $850,000 to benefit up to 250,000 victims of the recent earthquake in Peru. The magnitude 8.0 temblor hit near the southern cities of Pisco and Ica on Aug. 15, killing more than 500 people in the worst quake to hit Peru in 35 years.

The UNFPA request was part of a wider U.N. ‘flash appeal’ to member nations for $37 million to help Peru respond to the earthquake. The agency plans to use the money to improve emergency reproductive health services, said Michele Montas, a spokeswoman for the U.N. secretary-general.

The funds would also be used to finish a rapid assessment of local health services, especially those available to the residents of rural mountain villages, Montas said.

Posted by Nicole Gaouette in Washington