Each year, millions of people displaced by conflict, natural disasters, or other events have no choice but to endure the winter feeling the wind cutting through thin tents and the frigid cold.

In regions including Moldova, Ukraine, and Gaza, the freezing winters are deadly.

Last winter, Gaza’s 1.9 million displaced people endured months of heavy rain and near-freezing temperatures. Temporary campsites and plumbing facilities flooded, sewage threatened to spill over into tents, and cold snaps caused temperatures to plummet. Not everyone survived the bitter winter.

According to the Gaza Health Ministry, at least 15 children died from the effects of cold weather — including six newborns.

A displaced woman in northern Gaza dries clothes near her tent.

Last winter, supporters like you made gifts that brought 22,723 winter clothes to women and girls, which included pajamas, winter boots, sweaters, and pants, 18,682 winterization shelter kits to families, including waterproof plastic tarps and blankets, and 1,248 Dignity Kits that contained menstrual products and personal care items — so that even in the midst of crisis, women and girls could still care for themselves.

In Gaza and across the globe, UNFPA’s winter-ready safe spaces serve as shelter for women and girls during particularly harsh freezes, and we provide essential supplies, equipment, and medicines to maternity hospitals to keep them operating and caring for expecting mothers.

Winter is here, but it doesn’t have to mean a tragedy for displaced women and girls.

For $15, you can deliver one winterized Dignity Kit to a woman or girl in need, so she can face the coming months with dignity and safety. Can she count on your generosity today?

We welcome the ceasefire agreement, the release of all hostages by Hamas, and the delivery of lifesaving humanitarian aid in Gaza. We are hopeful that peace will prevail and that the suffering of women, girls, and families will end.

Thank you for being there,

USA for UNFPA