News from the Field
November 6, 2012
In Maldives, UNICEF Is Working Closely with the Government to Address Rising Violence Against Girls and Women
Since 2008, there has been a steady increase in the number of rapes and other forms of violence against young girls in Maldives. The number of cases of domestic violence and sexual harassment has also increased. UNICEF is working closely with the Government to address these issues. There is a child abuse prevention program under the Ministry of State for Gender, Family and Human Rights. In addition, UNICEF has contributed to the drafting of a three-year strategy that aims at mass and targeted awareness-raising about the protection of children.
October 29, 2012
In the Central African Republic, UNICEF and Partners Supply Healthcare to Displaced Families
Conflict has plagued the area around Obo in the Central African Republic for three years. Following continued attacks by the Lord’s Resistance Army, 8,700 refugees and internally displaced persons fled to a secure perimeter set up around the town of Obo. After medical staff fled the area, UNICEF and partner Merlin began supporting the local hospital with equipment, supplies, and staff. In August UNICEF received more funds to keep hospital services operational, so the displaced families in Obo can continue to rely on the hospital for healthcare.
October 25, 2012
CNN and UNICEF Raise Awareness of the Silent Emergency of Child Stunting
CNN has partnered with UNICEF to put the international spotlight on the global crisis of stunting, or low height in children. Stunting results from chronic nutritional deficiency during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, and the damage it causes is irreversible. By raising awareness of the problem, CNN is helping children reach their height potential. Tackling the problem of under-nutrition, which leads to stunting, is achievable, and UNICEF is a leader in delivering life-saving interventions during a child’s critical 1,000-day period.
October 23, 2012
In the Philippines, Public Elementary Schools Promote Proper Hygiene Practices
Teaching elementary school children the habits of washing their hands with soap and brushing their teeth with fluoride has been an ongoing campaign of the Philippine Department of Education. Through its Essential Health Care Program, the Department of Education promotes proper handwashing and tooth-brushing, as well as deworming, among school children. UNICEF and corporate partner Procter & Gamble joined the effort in 2010. UNICEF’s participation in the program has added more than 3,000 schools to the initial reach of the program.
October 22, 2012
UNICEF and Partners Respond to Refugee Crisis in South Sudan
Continued conflict and increased food insecurity in the Sudan’s Southern states have led to an influx of refugees into South Sudan. Maban County is home to over 100,000 refugees from the Sudan, and UNICEF and partners are supporting a variety of interventions involving nutrition, health, child protection and education. Psychosocial support is also a key component for these children, who have had traumatic experiences. The high rate of arrivals, including the sheer volume of vulnerable children, has put a tremendous strain on overall operations.
