March 10, 2010
UNICEF Ambassador Mia Farrow on hand for polio campaign in Chad
In 2003 Chad was nearly polio free, but the virus has returned to the country. Immunization remains the best defense against polio's spread, as the disease is highly contagious and irreversible once contracted. Cultural taboos, poor access to electricity and bad roads are some of the challenges that immunization teams face in reaching children in Chad. Actress and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Mia Farrow, visited Chad to lend a hand in communicating the importance of getting their children immunized.
March 9, 2010
Moving forward on International Women's Day in Haiti
In Haiti, International Women's Day was a day for honoring the tens of thousands of mothers, sisters, wives and leaders who lost their lives in the January earthquake. In particular, the work of three prominent Haitian feminists was honored. In the southern city of Jacmel, more then 500 people took to the streets in a public march organized by the group 'Women Decide.'
March 9, 2010
UNICEF to immunize 85 million children against polio in West and Central Africa
An ambitious campaign to immunize children against polio is underway across 19 countries in West and Central Africa that have seen a recent reemergence of the disease. More than 400,000 volunteers and health workers equipped with special carriers will go door-to-door to ensure that every child under five is vaccinated. Despite huge logistical challenges, a synchronized cross-border vaccination campaign is the only way to curtail the rapid spread of this debilitating disease.
March 9, 2010
Delivering essential supplies amidst conflict in northern Yemen
Conflict in northern Yemen has forced more than 250,000 people to flee their homes. Living in close quarters in camps for displaced people or scattered amongst host communities, children are at risk of diarrhea and other waterborne diseases. UNICEF and its partners are overcoming huge challenges in gaining access to these dangerous regions to distributing hygiene kits and promote good hygiene practices.
March 5, 2010
Simple solutions to provide safe drinking water to remote communities in Haiti
UNICEF is serving the needs of earthquake survivors even in the remotest areas of Haiti. In the mountains outside of Leogane, families rely on river water that, if consumed untreated, could cause deadly water-borne diseases among children. UNICEF is using pack mules to deliver inexpensive water purification tablets and plastic buckets fitted with taps so that families can treat their drinking water at home.
