Our Mission | UNICEF USA
 

Helping every child thrive, all over the world

Over eight decades, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has built an unprecedented global support system for the world’s children. UNICEF relentlessly works day in and day out to deliver the essentials that give every child an equitable chance in life: health care and immunizations, safe water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. UNICEF USA advances the global mission of UNICEF by rallying the American public to support the world’s most vulnerable children. Together, we have helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization.

PLEASE DONATE

 

What UNICEF is doing

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children's lives, defend their rights and help them reach their full potential — from early childhood through adolescence.

Core components of UNICEF's global operations include:

CHILD PROTECTION — saving and protecting children in conflict, preventing violence against children, ending child trafficking and protecting children from the impacts of climate change

CHILD SURVIVAL  — immunization and disease outbreak response (COVID-19,Ebola, HIV/AIDS), nutrition and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programs

EDUCATION — supporting schools and improving access to learning

EMERGENCY RELIEF — protecting the rights of child refugees and migrants, addressing food crises, meeting the urgent needs of children and families affected by earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tsunamis and other natural disasters

GENDER EQUALITY, EMPOWERMENT and INCLUSION —  including advocating for children with disabilities

INNOVATION — accelerating efforts to develop, deploy and scale innovative solutions in humanitarian work

Visit the UNICEF data hub for details on UNICEF program activities and impact by country.

What UNICEF USA is doing

UNICEF USA supports UNICEF — and other efforts in support of the world's children — through advocacy, education and fundraising in the United States.

UNICEF USA's Impact Fund for Children provides opportunities for social impact investors seeking to make a difference in the survival and development of children.

Learn more about how UNICEF USA's Advocacy team, based in Washington, DC, is speaking up on behalf of the world's children — urging decision-makers in government and other sectors to implement policies and budgets that support and empower them.

Visit the UNICEF USA Action Center to join active advocacy campaigns. When you speak up for children, legislators will listen. 

Visit the UNICEF USA Child Friendly Cities Initiative home page for more about how UUSA is providing a framework to help local government officials prioritize the needs of young people and to elevate their voices in local governance.

Visit the UNICEF Kid Power online hub to learn how this unique philanthropic platform is empowering kids to help their peers around the world — while helping themselves grow stronger mentally, physically and academically.

Visit the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF homepage to connect with others and participate in this legacy event.

Support UNICEF programs by shopping online for unusual, handcrafted goods at the UNICEF Market. Or send lifesaving supplies to kids in need with a UNICEF Inspired Gift.

Stories About Our Mission

Bara'a, an 11-year-old quadriplegic in Douma, rural Damascus, Syria, is thriving with UNICEF's help.
Children With Disabilities Thrive With UNICEF's Support
A look at programs considered critical for protecting child rights — and creating a more inclusive post-COVID-19 world.
Nilam Bamaniya, a 23-year-old general nursing midwife, holds a vaccine carrier filled with vaccine doses for a COVID-19 vaccination session at a UNICEF-supported public health center in Samlaya, Vadodra, Gujarat, India on July 20. 2021.
Why We Need Equitable Vaccine Delivery Now
To end the pandemic, the whole world must have access to COVID-19 vaccines. As part of COVAX, UNICEF is working to make that happen.
On August 13, 2021,119,360 Astra-Zeneca COVID-19 vaccine doses donated by the U.K. government through the COVAX Facility arrived in Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka, Zambia.
As Omicron Spreads, Africa Needs COVID-19 Vaccines. COVAX Is the Key.
World leaders must prioritize COVID-19 vaccines for Africa, where just 6 percent of the population is vaccinated.
Giving Tuesday Gifts That Give Kids a Better Future
UNICEF won’t stop fighting to reach every child suffering the effects of disasters. Your Inspired Gift provides lifesaving relief and hope.
A UNICEF staffer helps a child try on a winter coat from a new winter clothing kit distributed by UNICEF and partners to families living in Roj IDP camp, northeastern Syria.
Giving Thanks for Hero Workers
This Thanksgiving, we salute the dedicated humanitarian workers who give their all to care for the world's children.
UNICEF Child Reporter Christine Saida Andrea on a field mission in Pibor, South Sudan.
Situation Grows Increasingly Desperate for Children in South Sudan
UNICEF is scaling its humanitarian response — but more support is needed to save and protect children from malnutrition and other threats.
See all »