Press Releases
April 25, 2013
Despite Progress, 1,500 African Children Die Daily from Malaria
Malaria still kills 660,000 people every year, most of them African children. Insecticide-treated bed nets are critical to eliminating deaths from malaria—one of the leading killers of children in the world, says UNICEF on World Malaria Day. The number of bed nets in sub-Saharan Africa has increased to 145 million thanks to bulk buying, joint procurement, financing and extending manufacturing capacity. Since 2000, 1.1 million lives have been saved from malaria, and malaria mortality rates in Africa have declined by one-third.
April 24, 2013
Children in Somalia to Receive New Vaccination against Deadly Diseases
The Somali authorities have launched today a new five-in-one-vaccine against several potentially fatal childhood diseases which could save thousands of young lives. From today, Somali children will receive the Pentavalent vaccine, a combination of five vaccines in one against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), Hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib—the bacteria that causes meningitis, pneumonia and other illnesses), all of which are highly prevalent. The vaccine will be part of the routine immunization program.
April 23, 2013
UNICEF Ramps up Efforts to Assist Children Affected by Massive Earthquake in China
After the devastating earthquake in Lushan County, China, which has left at least 190 people dead and 12,000 injured, UNICEF will be accelerating efforts in child protection, mother and baby health, young child nutrition, and hygiene and sanitation. An estimated 26,000 children in Lushan County are affected by the earthquake. UNICEF allocated $75,000 for emergency obstetric and neonatal health equipment for local health facilities. Some of the communities damaged by the earthquake were also affected by the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake.
April 22, 2013
Pier 1 Imports Raises $1.9 Million for Children through UNICEF Greeting Card Sales
Sharon Leite, Executive Vice President of Stores at Pier 1 Imports®, the original global importer of imported decorative home furnishings and gifts, presented a check Tuesday for $1.9 million to Caryl Stern, President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, for proceeds raised from the 2012 sales of UNICEF’s holiday greeting cards. One hundred percent of the funds will go to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF to support UNICEF’s child survival and development programs worldwide.
April 22, 2013
Mother’s Day Gifts Help Children Across the Globe
The U.S. Fund for UNICEF today announced a line of Mother’s Day gifts that help provide children in developing countries with a healthier childhood. Purchasing items like hand-carved jewelry from UNICEF’s cards and gifts collection, or a special edition “Gucci for UNICEF” Boston handbag, will support survival and development programs for children worldwide. Shoppers can also choose to give lifesaving UNICEF Inspired Gifts like a Safe Birthing Kit, which may be purchased in honor of mom and which can help babies gain a healthy start.
