HOW IS UNICEF RESPONDING TO COVID-19?
Even before the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) a global health emergency, UNICEF had rushed six metric tons of medical supplies to the front lines. To date, UNICEF has delivered hundreds of millions of protective items for health workers along with urgently needed medical equipment and hygiene supplies to fight COVID-19. Key to UNICEF's effectiveness is its humanitarian warehouse in Copenhagen, the world's largest, which can ship emergency supplies anywhere in the world in 48 to 72 hours.
UNICEF and partners are leading efforts to ensure the equitable, affordable distribution of up to 2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines, including 1.2 billion doses to low- and lower-middle-income countries, in 2021. As head of procurement and supply for COVAX — a multilateral initiative co-led by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance; the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) — UNICEF is pre-positioning syringes and coordinating and supporting purchasing, international freight and in-country distribution of approved vaccines in the largest and fastest immunization project in the history of the planet. But it will take more than a vaccine to end the pandemic. UNICEF is also leading on preventative actions in communities, aiding the development of rapid diagnostics and treatments and helping countries strengthen their health systems.
When schools closed temporarily, interrupting the education of 91 percent of the world's students, UNICEF immediately focused on finding ways to help children keep learning through online classes, radio broadcasts and other forms of remote instruction. UNICEF is supporting Ministries of Education and working closely with education partners to provide high-quality distance learning and help schools that have reopened operate safely.
Vaccines are only part of the job. It will also take diagnostics, treatment and an effort to re-strengthen overburdened health systems. That's why UNICEF is also delivering 500 million COVID tests and 245 million COVID treatments so countries can easily detect and treat the virus—and slow its spread while waiting for the full vaccine rollout.
UNICEF and partners are helping provide equitable access to:
- 900 million testing kits
- 165 million treatments
- Programs to build vaccine confidence
HOW IS UNICEF USING INFORMATION TO SAVE LIVES?
UNICEF has already helped reach more than 2.7 billion people with COVID-19 prevention messaging. At a time when fake news can do real harm, UNICEF is teaming up with Facebook, LinkedIn and TikTok to dispel rumors and make sure that health education messages specifically tailored for children, parents and caregivers, teachers, community leaders and the media reach all corners of the globe.
When children and teens need help, UNICEF delivers both emergency supplies and the tools young people need to take action. In Indonesia, where the nation's first case of COVID-19 was reported on March 2, UNICEF teamed up with the government to conduct a poll via U-Report — a youth engagement tool that uses mobile phones to connect with more than 68 million users worldwide — to test young people's knowledge of coronavirus. The poll generated 6,800 responses in three days and helped to identify what young people know and don't know about symptoms, transmission and prevention. Up-to-date messages on how to stay safe were shared with all 108,000 U-Reporters across the country. Results from the poll were used to create a COVID-19 chatbot that is being used in 52 countries and counting.
BRAVER TOGETHER: HOW TO HELP YOUR KIDS COPE WITH THE CORONAVIRUS
COVID-19 has upended children’s lives and forced them to quickly adapt to a new “normal.” These adjustments can feel isolating, scary and confusing. But showing children that we’re all in this fight against COVID-19 together is one great way to quell their fears, give them purpose and help them to feel a little braver.
It’s also important that children have the space to discuss how they’re feeling and what they’re experiencing. Here are a few tips for approaching this conversation:
- Find out what they already know, then ask open questions and listen
- Be honest: Explain the truth in a way that's appropriate for their age
- Show children how they can help fight COVID-19 by protecting themselves and their friends
- Offer reassurance
- Check if they are experiencing stigma or repeating hurtful remarks about others
If they say they are anxious or show signs of distress — moodiness, hypervigilance about your health or theirs, difficulty sleeping — there are many ways you can help:
- A schedule for schoolwork, chores, exercise, screen time and playtime will help children stay productive and feel more secure
- Set up virtual playdates. Staying connected with friends supports kids’ social development and allows them to see that the people they care about are healthy and managing during this difficult time
- Keep tabs on kids when they’re online: Parental controls offer some security. But it’s still important to check in with kids frequently about what they are doing, who they are communicating with and how the exchanges they are having make them feel
- Encourage your children to cook, clean and do chores with you. Use this time as an opportunity for them to learn new skills
UNICEF has teamed up with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, USAID and others to provide tips and activities to help children and families cope with COVID-19. Click below to download!
ASK THE EXPERTS
UNICEF USA "Ask The Expert" Video Series with Child Psychologist, Dr. Tovah Klein on helping children cope with COVID-19
Another way to empower kids and show them they’re not alone: Encourage them to give back to their community. Millions of young students across the country have been affected by school closures, but they can still band together by helping to fight COVID-19 and keep themselves and their friends safe. UNICEF Kid Power offers a way to keep them moving and learning at home while making a difference.
WATCH UNICEF IN ACTION
Check out our virtual event for an inside look at how UNICEF responds to the world’s most pressing emergencies, including the coronavirus pandemic. These are stories from the front lines told with the help of a dedicated array of UNICEF supporters, including Cher, P!nk, Matthew Morrison, Jordin Sparks, Téa Leoni, Pau Gasol, Salma Hayek Pinault, Sofia Carson and more!
U.S. Fund for UNICEF d/b/a UNICEF USA is exempt from tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and qualifies for the maximum charitable contribution deduction by donors. Our Federal Identification Number is 13-1760110
Learn more about UNICEF'S fight against COVID-19
