Bollywood star and social activist Manisha Koirala has announced her support for the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) as its Goodwill Ambassador for Nepal to work for pregnant women, new mothers and their infants, girls and young people displaced by the devastating earthquake of April 25.

"I am truly happy to renew my partnership with UNFPA in my homeland at this crucial time," said Koirala in a statement, adding that UNFPA's life-saving interventions were needed more than ever. More than two million women of reproductive age are affected by the disaster. Many of them are at risk of unwanted pregnancies. Further, the estimated 126,000 women who are currently pregnant may need urgent care to ensure they deliver their babies safely and remain healthy after childbirth so that they can take proper care of their infants. Women and girls at camps for the displaced or in other environments must be protected from gender-based violence, including rape, the UNFPA Nepal Office stated in a press release.

Reproductive health kits procured by UNFPA are being distributed to health facilities and medical teams to provide much needed supplies and equipment as well as contraceptives. UNFPA Nepal is also instrumental in sending out "dignity kits which contain essential items to restore a sense of dignity and wellbeing for displaced women and girls -- including sanitary pads, a flashlight and new clothes".