Press releases
Read our press releases by clicking the following links.
UNICEF to promote gender sensitive programmes
UNICEF is joining hands with Telugu language TV Channels to focus on the issues concerning the girl child in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
CFSI and Government of AP Partner with UNICEF To Support Child Rights at the launch of 16th Golden Elephant Festival
UNICEF is joining hands with Telugu language TV Channels to focus on the issues concerning the girl child in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
Children As Media Producers
UNICEF Hyderabad and the Department of Communication, University of Hyderabad have come together to put video cameras in the hands of traditionally marginalised children of rural Medak district in a participatory media initiative.
Lessons for Life from Kyunki… Jeena Issi Ka Naam Hai
UNICEF is joining hands with Telugu language TV Channels to focus on the issues concerning the girl child in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
Media Update: Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh Floods
UNICEF continues to work closely with the Government of India and local authorities to ensure that the rights of children and women, including those from the most marginalized communities, are fulfilled during this crisis.
Fast Facts And Figures on Sanitation
Over 1.5 million children under five die each year as a result of diarrhoea. It is the second most common cause of child deaths worldwide. Handwashing with soap at critical times - including before eating or preparing food and after using the toilet.
Everyone can make a difference in the “Clean hands saves lives” campaign
In India, diarrhoea is a major killer with about 1,000 children below 5 years dying every day due to diarrhoea. Handwashing with soap can reduce diarrhoeal deaths in children by 40 per cent and is the most inexpensive ways to prevent diarrhoeal deaths.
Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh Flood Update
One of the worst flash floods in decades in the southern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka has left 247 people dead and an estimated two million people affected.
A Step Closer to AIDS-Free Generation
According to a new joint report from UNICEF,WHO and UNAIDS, the world is now closer than ever to its goal of the virtual elimination of mother to child transmission of HIV and a step closer to realising an AIDS-free generation.
UNICEF Announces Nominees for 2009 International Children’s Day of Broadcasting Awards
All India Radio Lucknow also bags International Children’s Day of Broadcasting (ICDB) Regional Award.
2009 World Water Week: "Responding to Global Changes: Accessing Water for the Common Good”
Hosted and organized by the Stockholm International Water Institute, this weeklong event aims to build capacity, promote partnerships, and review progress achieved.
“Seal the Deal!” to Heal the Planet
The Seal the Deal! campaign will mobilize over one million young people to march across one hundred capitals and deliver to global leaders their declaration of priorities on climate change as agreed at the Tunza Conference
Nutrition: Key facts and figures
Some 148 million children under five in the developing world – or one in four – suffer from undernutrition, more than half of them in South Asia which has the highest rate of child malnutrition in the world with 41 per cent.
Goodwill Ambassador Sharmila Tagore Supports HIV Affected in Rajasthan
UNICEF is joining hands with Telugu language TV Channels to focus on the issues concerning the girl child in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
UNICEF Statement on Severe Acute Malnutrition
The Ministry of Women and Child Development and UNICEF have a strong working relationship and are partnering together to implement a mutually agreed upon workplan to address the nutrition needs of the country’s most vulnerable children and women.
War on Diarrhea : A Battle to be Won
Since the cyclone hit, 100,000 diarrhea cases, resulting in 31 deaths, have been reported by the government in South 24 Parganas and North 24 Parganas.
UNICEF Chief Promotes Breastfeeding for Better Health and Nutrition
Breastfeeding can save lives and plays a vital role in protecting infants from under nutrition and illnesses that are common byproducts of natural disasters and other emergencies
18 Million Indian Children to Receive Life Saving Five-in-One Vaccine
Immunization project gets US$ 165 million funding from GAVI Alliance, a public-private partnership which brings together all key players in immunisation including Indian government, World Health Organization, UNICEF, donors, industry and Hib Initiative.
Japan Supports Polio Eradication Project In India
UNICEF India gets $2.1 million contribution from government and people of Japan will be used to help ensure India’s most inaccessible and marginalized children remain protected from polio.
Teen proud to meet Prime Minister to promote quality education
UNICEF is joining hands with Telugu language TV Channels to focus on the issues concerning the girl child in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
J8 Summit in Pictures
UNICEF is joining hands with Telugu language TV Channels to focus on the issues concerning the girl child in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
Indian teen Sanjukta Pangi meets Prime Minister at G8
UNICEF is joining hands with Telugu language TV Channels to focus on the issues concerning the girl child in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
UNICEF: J8 meets G8
Junior 8: Climate change targets must be met, teachers’ standards improved
Junior 8 Summit 2009 - Rome Declaration
As young people, we are the leaders of the future, and therefore will be the most affected by your decisions made today. We believe that collaboration between adults and young people is the best way to grant a better future for the upcoming generation.
Young delegates who met G8 leaders
UNICEF is joining hands with Telugu language TV Channels to focus on the issues concerning the girl child in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
Young delegates represent India at J8 Summit
UNICEF is joining hands with Telugu language TV Channels to focus on the issues concerning the girl child in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
Education priority for Indian youth: J8 delegates
UNICEF is joining hands with Telugu language TV Channels to focus on the issues concerning the girl child in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
" World will improve for children with solutions discussed here"
Interview with young Indian delegate Narendra Kumar from Pure Gosain, Uttar Pradesh who is representing India at J8 summit in Rome, Italy
"A new Sanjukta will be going back to India"
Interview with young Indian delegate Sanjukta Pangi, from Karanja Guda, Orissa representing India at J8 summit in Rome, Italy
"Kids from developing countries are worried about their education"
Interview with young Indian delegate Samuel Venkatesan representing India at J8 summit in Rome, Italy
Three Indian youths to attend J8 summit in Rome
Seventeen-year-old Venkatesan is one of the voices representing young India at the Junior 8 summit in Rome this year. Joining him are 16-year old Sanjukta Pangi, from Koraput, Orissa and 15 year old Narendra Kumar from Rae-Bareli, Uttar Pradesh.
Joint Statement by National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, ILO and UNICEF
India continues to have the world’s largest number of child labourers with many trafficked into labour.
Cyclone Aila: A Situation Update
To date, 137 people have died and an estimated 6.7 million people have been affected by the cyclone in the state.
5th year of KCCI Summer Internship programme gets underway
UNICEF's summer internship programme began in 2005 under the aegis of the Knowledge Community on Children in India (KCCI), an initiative aimed at fostering the exchange of information and learning on social policies and programmes related to children in I
Cyclone Aila: A Situation Update
– One hundred and twenty-five people have died and an estimated 6.2 million people have been affected following the havoc caused by cyclone Aila.
Empowering vulnerable communities through flood mitigation efforts
NEW DELHI, 15 April 2009: UNICEF has completed the 11-month long Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR) project in Bihar, India. About US$ 700,000 million (520,000 Euro) was provided by ECHO to support this project.
Statement by UNICEF Executive Director, Ann M. Veneman on World Health Day, 2009
NEW YORK, 7 April 2009 - “The critical importance of healthcare to emergency response is the theme for this year’s World Health Day 2009. The annual day commemorates the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Empowering Vulnerable Communities through Flood Mitigation Efforts
UNICEF has completed the 15-month long Community-Based Disaster Preparedness (CBDP) project in West Bengal, India.
“Dhadkan” a Community Radio initiative of UNICEF in Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh
This small town in the Chambal region of Madhya Pradesh has launched a community radio station, just a few days after the first started in Lalitpur in Uttar Pradesh. This is the second such community radio station supported by UNICEF, to be set up.
World Water Day 2009
Managing the world’s water resources key for future generations. World Water Day 2009 calls for collective action to tackle the issue of access to safe drinking water and water sharing.
IKEA Social Initiative adds $48 million to UNICEF's child health programme - at $180 Million, largest corporate donor to UNICEF
UNICEF announced that IKEA, through its corporate philanthropy arm, IKEA Social Initiative, is further expanding its support for children with a $48 million donation for UNICEF programmes in India.
Kyunki… Lighting up a brighter path for women
Shabnam, early twenties, married, is chided by her parents for standing up to her violent husband when he accuses her of being infertile.
UNICEF and Prasar Bharati Sign Partnership Agreement for Phase 2 of Facts for Life TV Show
Prasar Bharati CEO B.S. Lalli and UNICEF India Representative Karin Hulshof today signed a broadcast agreement for Phase 2 of the Facts for Life entertainment-education drama serial, Kyunki…Jeena Issi Ka Naam Hai (Because… That’s What Life Is).
UNICEF: Extreme Risks for Pregnant Women and Newborn Babies in Developing Countries
Women in the world’s least developed countries are 300 times more likely to die in childbirth or from pregnancy-related complications than women in developed countries
Statement By UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman Regarding the Humanitarian Operation In Gaza
“UNICEF is deeply concerned that the ongoing violence has forced UNRWA to suspend its humanitarian operation in Gaza. This can only deepen an already critical humanitarian situation and put children at even greater risk of death or permanent damage.
A year of tragedies and triumphs for South Asia’s children
For many of South Asia’s children, 2008 will go down as a year of triumphs and tragedies – a year in which children continued to be recruited in conflicts, yet a year when conflicts were briefly halted for the sake of children’s health
Community radio enters Lalitpur
One of the state’s most backward districts Lalitpur, became one of the first in the country to get a community radio station set up by UNICEF.
Knowledge community on children in India internship programme from 3 June to 12 August 2009
UNICEF India Country Office invites applications for a full-time Internship programme from 3 June to 12 August 2009 to encourage young students and scholars from around the world to engage in development issues pertaining to India’s children and women.
On Universal Children’s Day, UNICEF welcomes new initiative to aid children affected by conflict
As the world commemorates Universal Children’s Day, UNICEF today welcomes the launch of a new group that aims to amplify the voice of those suffering as a result of conflict.
Vaishali set to upscale integrated and decentralized village planning
With the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the District Magistrate and UNICEF, Vaishali has become the first district in Bihar to upscale the development of integrated plans for grassroots-driven socio-economic progress.
India and China hold the key to world meeting MDGs, says UNICEF flagship report
Global achievement of the health related MDGs, depends largely on India’s success and on China accelerating progress even further, according to a new UNICEF report on the latest trends in child and maternal health.
Supporting mothers to breastfeed will improve children’s chances of survival, says UNICEF
On the occasion of World Breastfeeding Week (1 to 7 August), UNICEF, along with the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) and WHO, is recommending the provision of increased professional and informal support for breastfeeding mothers.
Third International Learning Exchange in Water and Sanitation in INDIA – 14 – 24 October 2008
Applications are invited for the Third International Learning Exchange for Water and Sanitation in India to be held from 14th to 24th October 2008
ECHO and UNICEF support recovery and empowerment of the most vulnerable communities hit by the Bihar floods of 2007
The European Community Humanitarian Office (ECHO) and UNICEF have joined hands to support the recovery and empowerment of some of the most vulnerable communities hit by the devastating floods in the eastern state of Bihar in 2007.
New version of DevInfo India released on National Statistics Day
A new version of DevInfo India, version 2.0, was released in New Delhi by the Indian Minister of External Affairs, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee in a function organized by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation on Sunday
Working Together to Reach All of India’s Children: Government of India and UNICEF Sign Five-Year Plan of Action
The Government of India and UNICEF today reaffirmed their joint commitment to tackling the most pressing problems impacting the survival and well-being of the children of India with the signing of a new five-year action plan
2008 KCCI Internship Programme kicks off
UNICEF's summer internship programme for 2008 got off to a rousing start in New Delhi on Wednesday. Seventy-nine interns from around the world and India have been selected to undergo a two-month internship in various parts of the country.
Red Ribbon Express: Uniting India Against AIDS
Traversing 13 states and 92 railway stations across the country, the colourfully painted Red Ribbon Express arrived on schedule, at the Secunderabad Railway Station
Engaging artists of Bhopal on children’s issues
A three-day art camp was organized by Surya Gram Vikas Samiti and Rangayan Art Gallery, with support from UNICEF to engage professional artists from Bhopal on issues of concern to children and women
National Conference puts the spotlight on India’s Gender Imbalance
A national conference was held in New Delhi on Monday 28th April as part of the National Campaign to “Save the Girl Child”.
Safe Motherhood Day 2008
It is a little known fact that Mumtaz Mahal, Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan’s favorite queen died due to complications related to repeated childbirth.
Kyunki…Jeena Issi ka Naam Hai launched in New Delhi amid applause and music
UNICEF, India, television, Doordarshan, Kyunki....Jeena Isi ka Naam Hai.
PRESS RELEASE: On World Health Day 2008, UNICEF Cautions About the Impact of Climate Change on the Health of Women and Children
Press release: On World Health Day 2008, UNICEF Cautions,About the Impact of Climate Change on the Health of Women and Children
Kyunki to entertain-educate 40 million women thrice a week
An entertainment-education programme Kyunki Jeena Issi Ka Naam Hai is being launched on India’s national channel Doordarshan.
Entertainment will further the reach of communication
The Facts for Life Communication initiative was launched when social mobilisers working in the polio-endemic districts of Uttar Pradesh expressed the need to reach out to people with messages on a wide range of health issues.
Cast upbeat as Kyunki…goes on air
The programme has a mix of experienced, known names from the entertainment industry and stage artistes and some who were pursuing a career in modelling.
More HIV - Positive Children and Pregnant Women Getting AIDS Treatment, New Report Says
More HIV - Positive Children and Pregnant Women Getting AIDS Treatment, New Report Says
6 in 10 Africans Remain Without Access to Proper Toilet: Poor sanitation threatens public health.
GENEVA, 20 March 2008 – Sixty-two percent of Africans do not have access to improved sanitation facility -- a proper toilet -- which separates human waste from human contact, states the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme for Water Supply and Sanitation
Experts share lessons on making learning joyful in Bihar
PATNA, March 13, 2008: Educational experts from states like Delhi, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and West Bengal have converged in Patna for a two-day seminar organised by UNICEF in collaboration with the Government of Bihar’s Department of Education...
Bringing the issue out of the closet, adolescent girls launch a guidance booklet on Menstrual Hygiene Management
New Delhi 8 March 2008 In a function marking the International Women’s Day and the International Year of Sanitation, young adolescent girls and women from villages of Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh released the guidance booklet
UNICEF Marks International Women’s Day by Stressing Importance of Investing in Maternal Health
NEW YORK, 7 March 2008 – UNICEF is marking International Women’s Day 2008 (8 March) by drawing attention to the need for improvements in maternal health care.
USD 400,000 DIPECHO contribution to UNICEF to help communities cope with floods in West Bengal
The Disaster Preparedness European Community Humanitarian Office (DIPECHO) has made a significant donation of US$ 400,000 million (280,000 Euro) to UNICEF India to support the Community-Based Disaster Preparedness project (CBDP) in West Bengal, India.
Knowledge train chugs in, helps dispel myths about HIV\AIDS
The Red Ribbon Express (RRE), a specially-designed seven coach train painted in bright yellow and red and carrying HIV/AIDS prevention messages, created a stir when it chugged into Lucknow’s Charbagh railway station Platform Number 9 on Saturday
Public Hearing gives women speedy justice in Rajasthan villages
There is an air of expectancy among the 200 odd women sitting huddled in the main town hall of the dusty town of Sawai Mahopur, situated about 200 km away from the state capital Jaipur.
Child Survival – This is How
Six women who traveled from distant and impoverished districts of Mayurbhanj in Orissa and Shivpuri in Madhya Pradesh unveiled the State of the World’s Children Report 2008 here today.
Integrated strategies can save childrens' lives says UNICEF Flagship State of the World's Children 2008 report
Integrated Health Strategies Can Save Children’s Lives, says UNICEF Flagship, The State of the World’s Children Report 2008
Global Data Sheet
SOWC - Key Statistics, Global Data
Launch of the State of the World's Children 2008 Report
Media advisory on the launch of SOWC 2008
Progress for Children Report - A Statistical Review December 2007
Key data from the Progress for Children report December 2007
“No one should discriminate against HIV Affected women and children” urges Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, President of India
UNICEF and UNAIDS mark the second anniversary of Unite For Children Unite Against AIDS campaign by pledging to fight the stigma and discrimination faced by HIV/AIDS affected women and children.
Over Million Dollar ECHO Contribution to UNICEF Saves Flood-Affected Children and Communities
The European Community Humanitarian Office (ECHO) has made a significant donation to UNICEF India of US$ 1.25 million (880,000 Euro) to reimburse costs incurred for life-saving interventions in the states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh
International Learning Exchange 2007-Rural India turns classroom for water and sanitation professionals
New Delhi – For over a week in September, villages across India turned into classrooms for a group of water and sanitation sector professionals from countries as far off as Mozambique, Ethiopia, Sudan and Cambodia.
Pledge of Child Protection unveiled
New Delhi: On October 1, 2007 the Art of Living Foundation and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) unveiled a joint declaration to further the cause of child rights and protection.
Safeguarding the rights of children
New Delhi, 11 September 2007: “Every aspect of our lives bears evidence to a child’s exploitation, vulnerability and drudgery. Behind our smug well-being is the loss of childhood for many,” Dr Shantha Sinha
Female foeticide in India
Eligible Jat boys from Haryana travel 3,000 km across the country to find themselves a bride. With increasingly fewer girls in Haryana, they are seeking brides from as far away as Kerala as the only way to change their single status.
Gujarat launches Save the Girl Child Campaign to arrest declining sex ratio
18 September, Gujarat: Alarm bells started ringing when the Census 2001 data was released. It revealed a drastic fall in the sex ratio, especially the child sex ratio. Whereas the overall sex ratio dropped from 934 to 920 per 1000 males
International Learning Exchange 2007 – Sharing the India experience
They have come from Burkina Faso, Djibouti, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Pakistan,Nepal..Eighty one delegates from twenty countries across the world are gathered in India to learn from her experiences as part of the Second International Learning Exchange Program
Gallery for social art and photography inaugurated at UNICEF Bhopal
The Bhopal office of UNICEF, Mr. Prashant Mehta, Principal Secretary, Women and Child development, Dr. Hamid El Bashir, M.P. State Representative for UNICEF, Gallery for social art and photography,UNICEF,India
Villagers script their own progress in Madhya Pradesh
Village Kolhari, Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh: Fourteen-year-old Mamta had to abandon her studies after Class 5 because her village in Madhya Pradesh did not have a higher education school. Three years later, however, the story has changed
1.8 million dollars Japanese aid to fight polio in India
Khandewat village goes live on air
“Early Marriage of Girls” - Theme for Award for Film Makers
Making every child count in the streets of Kolkata
International Learning Exchange Programme
Girl Power Drives Road Show
Child Abuse in India - A study by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India
In India , the responsibility of care and protection of children has been with the families and communities. A strong knit patriarchal family that is meant to look after its children well has seldom had the realization that children have their own rights.
Government of India study on child abuse – April 2007
March 22, 2007 : Karnataka children hold their own parliament session
March 22, 2007 : Child Friendly Legislators of Karnataka recognized by the children
Indian cricket star brings a message of hope to young people trying to rebuild their community in Port of Spain, Trinidad
March 17, 2007 : This is FM Radio Banasthali on 90.4 MHz
March 12, 2007 : Farooq Sheikh vaccinates children in Varanasi
March 7, 2007 : Government of Haryana and UNICEF ink MOU to improve the lives women and children
March 6, 2007 : Flag bearers of women’s emancipation
India adopts new child growth standards
January 31, 2007 : Ralph Fiennes & Sharmila Tagore call for an end to stigma against people affected by HIV
Farooq Sheikh boosts polio drive in Uttar Pradesh
April 10, 2006 : National Forum with parliamentarians on safe motherhood
UNICEF Executive Director's statement on Sri Lanka
UNICEF is joining hands with Telugu language TV Channels to focus on the issues concerning the girl child in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
J8 Summit in Pictures
UNICEF is joining hands with Telugu language TV Channels to focus on the issues concerning the girl child in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
J8 Summit in Pictures
UNICEF is joining hands with Telugu language TV Channels to focus on the issues concerning the girl child in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
J8 Summit in Pictures
UNICEF is joining hands with Telugu language TV Channels to focus on the issues concerning the girl child in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
DIPECHO contributes $430,000 to UNICEF India
Principal objective of the DIPECHO project in Assam is to reduce risk from disasters by empowering vulnerable communities in disaster-prone areas
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