UNICEF rushes life-saving aid to children and families affected by Myanmar earthquake

BANGKOK, 8 April 2025 - UNICEF has intensified its emergency relief efforts to support affected children and families affected by catastrophic earthquake that struck Myanmar on 28 March. Despite logistical challenges, immediate assistance includes critical medical supplies, clean water, shelter, and psychosocial support have reached thousands of families in the hardest-hit of Mandalay, Sagiang and Naypyitaw.

The devastating earthquake has left thousands dead and many more injured, many of them children. Families have been displaced and have little to no access to clean water, medical care, shelter and essential services.

In the first humanitarian flight by an aid organization to reach Myanmar, UNICEF has flown 80 metric tons of emergency supplies to support children and families in desperate need. Supported by the European Union, the shipment from UNICEF’s Global Supply Hub in Copenhagen includes emergency health kits, medical supplies, tents, and recreation kits. Additional flights carrying essential aid are expected in the coming days as humanitarian needs grow.

Soon after the earthquake, UNICEF released and delivered lifesaving supplies from its warehouses in Yangon and Mandalay to the hardest-hit areas. This includes 147 Inter-Agency Emergency Health Kits, stocked with essential medicines and medical supplies, to provide healthcare for 1.4 million people over the next three months. To prevent disease outbreaks, water purification tablets, hygiene kits, sanitary pads and disinfectants—are being distributed. Families who have lost their homes are receiving tents, blankets, and household kits to support their recovery.

In addition to physical aid, UNICEF is working closely with partners to provide psychosocial support to children coping with trauma. Emergency financial assistance is also being provided to 6,000 of the most affected families, including those with children with disabilities, ensuring they can access essential items such as food, water, and healthcare.

“As our neighbours in Myanmar face an unimaginable crisis, people across Thailand are showing incredible compassion and solidarity,” said Kyungsun Kim, UNICEF Representative for Thailand. “While UNICEF teams in Myanmar are on the ground working tirelessly to deliver life-saving support, we in Thailand are doing our part - rallying public support to reach more children and families in need. Every donation made here can help save lives just across our border.”

Even before the earthquakes, more than 6 million children in Myanmar, or one-third of the country’s child population, were already in need of humanitarian assistance due to ongoing instability and displacement. This earthquake has only deepened the crisis, putting even more children at risk of malnutrition, illness, and trauma.

UNICEF Thailand has launched fundraising appeal, with Friends of UNICEF including Peck Palitchoke Ayanaputra mobilizing for immediate donation to help scale up its emergency response. The appeal is part of the initial $28 million fund needed to deliver emergency life-saving support, including clean water, medical care, emergency education, and protection services for children in the worst-affected areas. 

Donation channels

1. Scan the QR code via the e-donation system to transfer funds through Mobile Banking Application.
2. Transfer to the UNICEF Thailand account at Bank of Ayudhya, Account Number 011-0-06153-6.
3. Donate through the UNICEF website: www.unicef.or.th

For those who would like a receipt, please send your donation slip to [email protected] or add LINE ID: @unicefdonation and specify the word “Myanmar”