Children’s needs in Myanmar are being met five months after the cyclone hit the Ayeyarwady delta and the Yangon division. But the relief effort is ongoing - you can support our work in Myanmar by donating online using the form on the right.

Outbreaks of major illnesses have been avoided and routine immunization has been re-established. Children are studying in temporary safe learning spaces with new school materials and more than 17,600 children have benefited from UNICEF’s psychosocial activities implemented through various government departments and NGOs.

However, the risk of water shortages is looming in the coming dry season due to difficulties in cleaning contaminated ponds which needs to be addressed immediately.

“Despite ongoing efforts to pump contaminated water out of the ponds, there is a risk that not all the water ponds can be cleaned and refilled before the beginning of the dry season”, said Ramesh Shrestha, UNICEF Representative in Myanmar. “It is crucial to identify high risk areas with potential water shortages now and to work closely with the government, communities, and our partner agencies to avoid severe water shortages in the coming months.”

The Myanmar government along with ASEAN, UN agencies and other partners are working together in the Post Cyclone Nargis humanitarian efforts. UNICEF is leading the operation for water and sanitation.

UNICEF has supported the cleaning of 442 ponds. With the direct support of the Myanmar Government to communities and the additional help of aid agencies, a total of 1,800 ponds have been cleaned. However, while the immediate water needs are met in most areas, there is a fear that in some areas, the number of cleaned ponds will not be enough to cover the drinking and domestic water needs for the length of the dry season.

UNICEF, also leads the education, nutrition and child protection operation.

“Even though the cyclone has caused a tremendous amount of suffering, this is also a chance to build back better and improve the situation of children and families in Myanmar,” said Mr. Shrestha.

Cyclone Nargis destroyed or damaged over 4,000 schools and more than 600 health facilities and separated hundreds of young children from their parents and close relatives. In the first 120 days after the cyclone hit, outbreaks of major illnesses were avoided thanks to the immediate provision of clean water and sanitation facilities.

• More than 25,000 children have received measles vaccination and Vitamin A supplements
• Over 130,000 essential learning packages have been distributed to primary school students
• More than 100 safe temporary learning spaces have been established and almost 800 schools repaired
• More than 17,600 children are benefiting from psychosocial activities in 101 Child Friendly Spaces
• Over 130 health assistants, nurses and midwives have been deployed to the worst affected areas for six months to support outreach activities
• Some 18,000 latrines have been constructed.