More than 88,000 children affected by the drought in the Mekong River Delta provinces.

The Government of Viet Nam estimates that 73,900 households (more than 88,000 children) in Ca Mau, Kien Giang, Long An, Ben Tre, Soc Trang, Bac Lieu, and Tien Giang provinces are struggling with the intensifying impacts of the drought and saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta.

The devastating effects of the drought and saltwater intrusion result in limited access to clean drinking water, hindering basic hygiene practices and leading to a higher prevalence of waterborne diseases and skin infections among affected communities, especially women and children.

In response to the government's request for emergency support, UNICEF Vietnam is mobilizing its public and private partners to secure the funding required to provide 17,000 vulnerable households with water storage equipment and ceramic water filters for storing and treating water for drinking and domestic purposes. The emergency response will also involve conducting a survey of affected families and distributing communication materials containing instructions for properly installing and using these supplies.

UNICEF Viet Nam appeals to our public and private partners to ensure funding is available to respond to this emergency urgently.