CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: ICM/Direct Relief Ukraine Humanitarian Fund

Through new grant funding from Direct Relief (DR), ICM aims to better support its Member Midwives’ Associations (MAs), by directly funding their tailored and grassroots responses to humanitarian emergencies. The war in Ukraine and resulting refugee crises marks the first time ICM is seeking applications from its MAs to access this funding and the beginning of a long-term partnership between ICM and DR that will bolster the support MAs are able to provide during humanitarian emergencies.

ICM is currently accepting applications for the ICM/Direct Relief Ukraine Humanitarian Fund. This fund aims to provide direct financial assistance to ICM Member Associations in Europe, particularly in Ukraine’s neighbouring countries, who are supporting the refugee and humanitarian response and supporting and complementing existing state initiatives.

Background

The war in Ukraine significantly impacted women and children in the region, as over 90% of the six million+ Ukranian refugees fall into these most vulnerable categories. Among the women in this group, we estimate that approximately 9% are pregnant. Midwives and their associations are at the frontlines of the crisis in Ukraine, providing assistance, health care and other social services needed by refugees. Migrant and refugee women are at an increased risk of sexual violence, unwanted pregnancies and exposure to sexually transmitted diseases. Additional risks include malnutrition, poor sanitation, and lack of maternity care, including psychological care in pregnancy, labour and postpartum. ICM recognises the courage of our Member Associations and midwives all over Europe, who—under the most difficult of circumstances—continue to provide care for women and their new-borns.

Objective

ICM/Direct Relief Ukraine Humanitarian Fund offers direct financial assistance to any ICM Member Associations in Europe, and particularly in Ukraine’s neighbouring countries, who are involved in a humanitarian response and are providing direct support to Ukrainian refugees or involved in state initiatives or other efforts in their country.

Learn how to submit your application for the ICM/Direct Relief Ukraine Humanitarian Fund

Read more about Midwives’ Associations responding to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine