May 15, 2013
Tetanus, one of the most deadly diseases a mother and her newborn can face, has been eliminated in more than half of affected countries targeted by UNICEF just 13 years ago. The milestone was announced today at the annual meeting of the Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus Elimination Initiative at UNICEF headquarters. Tetanus kills one newborn baby every nine minutes and almost all of these babies are born in poor families living in the most disadvantaged areas and communities.
May 15, 2013
As Cyclone Mahasen threatens to hit the communities in Rakhine State, home to thousands of displaced people, UNICEF stands ready to support the government of Myanmar to respond to humanitarian needs. Heavy rainfall and possible flooding that come with the cyclone is likely to deteriorate sanitation and safe water supply, with subsequent increased health threats especially for children. The living conditions of the people in Rakhine are already precarious as a result of inter-communal conflict and displacement.
May 14, 2013
Some 450,000 Syrians have taken refuge in Jordan, with 75 percent of them staying in urban communities. In areas where Syrian families are concentrated, Jordanian schools run double shifts to accommodate the massive numbers of Syrian children desperate to continue their education. Some have been out of school for a year or longer, and being able to continue to study is key to the futures of these children. For many, it is a sign of hope. UNICEF is currently supporting the schooling of over 31,000 Syrian children in host communities in Jordan.
May 16, 2013
May 13, 2013