Alongside UNICEF, the Private Sector Humanitarian Platform commits to supporting children in crisis situations.

 Antananarivo, 30 October 2024 – Today UNICEF and the Private Sector Humanitarian Platform officially signed a memorandum of understanding formalizing their collaboration to strengthen the resilience of children to natural disasters in Madagascar. This alliance is an important step for a country that is highly exposed to climate risks. Madagascar is among the ten countries where children are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, according to the Children's Climate Risk Index published by UNICEF in 2021.

The collaboration between UNICEF and the Private Sector Humanitarian Platform is a coordinated and innovative response in support of the National Office for Risk and Disaster Management (Bureau national de la gestion des risques et des catastrophes, BNGRC). By mobilizing the resources, expertise and philanthropy of businesses, this collaboration will strengthen the resilience, safety and well-being of children in times of crisis. The collaboration focuses on four areas, including logistics, communication and public awareness, data sharing and capacity-building for the members of the Platform.

During humanitarian crises, children are often the most affected: their access to drinking water, a balanced diet, safe shelter, medical care and education is often severely compromised. Indeed, BNGRC data show that nearly 3,700 public school classrooms have been destroyed by cyclones in the last three years, and more than 3,750 classrooms have been damaged. Over the same period, more than 440,000 children have been affected by cyclones, and nearly 340,000 children in the Greater South (Grand Sud) require treatment for acute malnutrition. Furthermore, each humanitarian crisis exacerbates existing difficulties and creates new threats to children.

This collaboration also highlights the link between the interests of children and those of businesses. The resilience and sustainability of the economic environment is linked to the protection of the fundamental rights of future generations, namely children. UNICEF is reiterating its call to all businesses to take action for the sake of children, who represent nearly half of the population in Madagascar.

*UNICEF does not endorse any brands, products or services.*