The Government of Japan has pledged US$ 3 million for Emergency Response to the Earthquake in Nepal

Tokyo, Japan 15 May 2015 – The Government of Japan has pledged US$ 3 million to UNICEF to assist children and families affected by the powerful earthquake in Nepal.

A total of more than 4.2 million people are seriously affected and need humanitarian assistance, out of which an estimated 1.7 million are children below the age of 18 years. In cooperation with the Government of Nepal and other partner organizations, UNICEF is delivering results for children in the various fields such as WASH (water, sanitary and hygiene), Education, Health, Nutrition and Child Protection.

With the contribution from the Government of Japan, UNICEF will provide access to safe drinking water as well as improving sanitation and hygiene for the most vulnerable earthquake-affected population. The organization will ensure the provision of safe water through interventions including water trucking, installation or repair of storage tanks and pipelines. It will also install temporary gender-separated bathing spaces in camps, field hospitals and health facilities. Furthermore, the interventions include the installation and/or repair of approximately 5,500 latrines in camp settings and affected households, and the distribution of approximately 25,000 family hygiene and dignity kits. UNICEF will also help deliver hygiene promotion campaign through community radio, health volunteers, and local leaders to a target population of 250,000 people.

Prior to the earthquake, the access to safe drinking water is good in both rural and urban areas in Nepal with access rate of about 90% for both areas. However, as a consequence of the earthquake, there has been a significant deterioration in access to safe water and sanitation: an estimated 4.2 million people are now in urgent need of water, sanitation and hygiene support.

"The road to recovery and reconstruction for Nepal will be a long one. The very topography that makes this country beautiful with all its mountains resulting from geological upheavals, poses its biggest development challenge. Coupled with widespread poverty, this means that for the people living in this beautiful country, more so the children which form nearly half the population, there needs a long and sustained support," says UNICEF Representative Mr. Tomoo Hozumi. "We sincerely appreciate the support received from the Government of Japan for UNICEF's response for children and women in need. We request everyone to help us help the children of Nepal."

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