UNICEF launches $144.5 million appeal
UNICEF in Viet Nam requests resources from the private sector. Hanoi, 7 January 2005 - UNICEF is seeking $144.5 million to support urgent humanitarian aid for the estimated 1.5 million affected children in South Asia, many of which have been orphaned or separated from their families and are in critical need of basic care and support. UNICEF has estimated that children account for more than one-third of tsunami deaths. The flash appeal, part of a larger UN appeal issued Thursday in Jakarta, will address immediate and emerging needs, and will include: - Emergency immunization to prevent fatal childhood diseases The overriding health needs for the tsunami-affected region will be directed at the prevention and treatment of malaria, water-borne diseases (cholera, dysentery, diarrhoea), measles, tetanus, and acute respiratory diseases. UNICEF will provide basic drugs and supplies to cover over three million people including the 1.5 million children in the region. Water-borne diseases are common in natural disasters and are a major risk in this situation where tsunamis have contaminated water sources with debris and faecal contaminants throughout the region. Prevention will come from immediate distribution of educational materials advocating for hand-washing and various forms of water-purification; appropriate use of water (even seawater) for washing and hygiene, versus clean water for drinking and cooking. The primary nutritional threat to the estimated 1.5 million affected children displaced from homes and in an environment where the basic infrastructure of food purchase and delivery has been interrupted will be acute malnutrition, both protein-calorie as well as vitamins and minerals. UNICEF will help set up targeted supplementary feeding centres and provide fortified blended food to malnourished under-fives children, pregnant and lactating women among the displaced population. As a non-profit humanitarian agency funded entirely by voluntary contributions, UNICEF said that it has a responsibility to provide as much support to the children of South Asia as possible. UNICEF in Viet Nam is also requesting resources from the private sector in the region to help the tsunami’s victims. This is the first time, UNICEF asks for the contributions from the private sector in Viet Nam to help the children outside of Viet Nam. “We have been approached by individuals and companies in Viet Nam who want to contribute to the initiated relief efforts. We are grateful to receive donations from individuals and enterprises for the children and women in the affected areas” said Mr. Christian Salazar, Officer-in-charge of UNICEF Viet Nam. Help UNICEF help children and families with health care, nutrition, clean water/sanitation, education and child protection. Donations can be made through our bank account at: All donations should be indicated for “Tsunami Appeal” Donations can also be made directly at UNICEF Viet Nam offices: Hanoi Office Ho Chi Minh Office
Other related news of the Asian Tsunami Crisis UNICEF Headquarter (English) Photo essay: UNICEF aids tsunami-affected in India (English) BBC News (English & Vietnamese) VN Express (Vietnamese)
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