UNICEF welcomes United States announcement of over $218 million partnership to save children's lives

NEW YORK, 17 June 2026 – UNICEF today welcomed the United States announcement of a new over US$218 million partnership with UNICEF to deliver life-saving support to children and families affected by humanitarian crises around the world.

The 12-month UNICEF and State Department Bureau for Disaster and Humanitarian Response (DHR) Life-Saving Child Survival partnership represents one of the largest humanitarian partnerships focused on children's survival and well-being.

Through a combination of rapid emergency response, targeted country operations, surge capacity, and large-scale nutrition interventions, the partnership will help UNICEF respond more quickly and effectively to the needs of children in natural disasters and complex crises, including those suffering from severe malnutrition or wasting.

"This partnership comes at a critical moment for children," said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. "Humanitarian needs are growing, while resources are under increasing pressure. This investment will help us reach children faster with life-saving assistance, strengthen local systems and partnerships, and expand access to critical nutrition services for children at greatest risk. This announcement by the United States shows their commitment to children and UNICEF, grounded in longstanding collaboration.”

The partnership will support emergency operations across all UNICEF regions and major humanitarian contexts, while providing targeted investments in Ethiopia, Myanmar and Ukraine. It will also strengthen nutrition services in high-priority countries facing severe levels of child malnutrition.

Through the nutrition pillar of the partnership, UNICEF expects to screen more than 4.4 million children for malnutrition and provide life-saving treatment to nearly 950,000 children suffering from severe wasting. The investment will leverage UNICEF's role as the world's largest procurer of ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF), helping strengthen global supply chains, and improve access to treatment in some of the most difficult operating environments.

The partnership also supports ongoing efforts across the humanitarian system to increase efficiency, strengthen local leadership, and improve coordination. As Cluster Lead Agency for nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene, and co-lead on education, and a key global partner on protection matters, UNICEF will use the investment to reinforce coordination mechanisms, evidence-based prioritization, and complementary action across humanitarian partners.

#####

Notes to editors:

About UNICEF
UNICEF, the United Nations agency for children, works to protect the rights of every child, everywhere, especially the most disadvantaged children and in the toughest places to reach. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we do whatever it takes to help children survive, thrive, and fulfil their potential.

For more information about UNICEF and its work, please visit: www.unicef.org 
Follow UNICEF on X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube