The number of people affected by natural disasters is increasing. These natural disasters hinder long-term development, and have substantial impacts on the lives of those affected. While both women and men are affected by natural disasters, women tend to suffer disproportionately to their male counterparts. It is the structural inequalities women face that render them more vulnerable to natural disasters. Corresponding to the increase in disaster impacts is the number and size of humanitarian organizations in responding to affected populations.

Maternal mortality is an ongoing health crisis in Haïti. Estimated at 523 deaths per 100,000 live births it is the highest rate in Latin America and the Caribbean. There are many factors that influence the dire status of disadvantaged pregnant women in Haiti, such as lack of prenatal care, unsafe and unsanitary deliveries, long walking distance to seek medical care, and inability to pay medical fees. Conditions of ill health such as high maternal mortality can be taken as clear indications of poverty, proxies for the lack of development.