The Greatest Need
Home
Current Appeals
The Greatest Need
Children are first to suffer and worst impacted by conflict.
UPDATE: 28th November.
UNICEF welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire in Lebanon, which we hope will bring an end to the war which has killed more than 240 children, injured around 1,400, and upended the lives of countless others. This is an essential first step toward allowing communities to heal and rebuild after months of turmoil and loss.
In recent months, hostilities in parts of the Middle East have escalated dramatically, with innocent children and families caught in the crossfire.
UNICEF is on the ground providing supplies and services to children and families affected by conflict. However, with hospitals and health systems stretched to breaking point, water and sanitation infrastructure crippled and millions of families on the move - we need to continue to deliver for those in greatest need.
Any donation you can make will help children in conflict and crisis.
Every moment matters in an emergency.
When a crisis hits, everything stops. Every second, every minute, every hour counts, for vulnerable kids around the world. That’s why we’re always there, in under 48 hours, rapidly responding with our humanitarian supplies so we can save lives. It’s also why we need your help with donations, so we’re always ready for when the next disaster strikes.
Make a donation today, so we’re ready for the next emergency.
For over 77 years, we've strengthened our emergency preparedness through developing our global partner network and working closely with the communities we help. Our response is only as effective as our preparation. We’ve got eyes on the ground, expert minds strengthening our systems, many hands stockpiling supply hubs around the globe, and your donations helping us to be flexible enough to adjust to whatever crisis unfolds – making our response quick and effective, so there's a future for every child.
Our team respond to over
300 emergencies every year.
Reaching kids and families
in over 192 countries.
With life-saving supplies
anywhere in 48 hours.
Our changing landscape
In a world where current climate, conflict, and environmental emergencies have a lasting impact and new crises are constantly emerging - there will always be major challenges for supply chains that have been weakened by the pandemic, shipping delays, rising inflation, and soaring energy prices.
When a disaster strikes, every moment matters for vulnerable kids. We’re there in under 48 hours, responding to emergencies with life-saving supplies.
Our presence in 192 countries affords us a greater understanding of the country, culture, needs and local partners - keeping us ahead of a rapidly evolving landscape and ensuring essential supplies are delivered quickly as possible.
All around the world
See how your support is helping kids right now AND the long-term!
Safe, clean drinking water - sanitation & hygiene – continuous and uplifting education – life-saving vaccines – nutritious foods – and quality healthcare.
Donors have helped UNICEF provide each of these and more despite the cholera epidemic in Somalia, conflict in Sudan and Gaza, flooding in Bangladesh, the fighting in Ukraine and earthquakes in Türkiye & Syria.
Getting supplies
from A to B!
By foot, boat, truck, plane or drone. No matter the distance, conflict or disaster. We'll always deliver life-saving support when kids need it most. 2022 was no exception as we marked our sixth year in a row of record-breaking supply procurement for children around the world. At the centre of it all are our supply hubs around the world! Ready to ship our life-saving pre-positioned supplies at a moment’s notice in under 48 hours anywhere.
Here’s just a glimpse of our impact, reach and readiness for when the next emergency strikes.
The climate crisis
Every child on the planet is already affected by climate change. Though roughly HALF the world's kids are vulnerable to the severe impacts caused by climate change, including natural disasters. That's over 1 BILLION children whose well-being, health and development is under threat.
Natural disasters cut children off from schooling, shelter, nutrition, health care, and one of the biggest necessities during an emergency, safe water & sanitation. With the increase of storms and rising sea levels - water and sanitation facilities are often destroyed, disease spreads and the salt content of groundwater increases that many communities rely on for their drinking water.
We're constantly strengthening our disaster responses to be more climate resilient and innovative, to creating long-term change for kids and making sure your donations are going the distance!
UN0372811
Vanuatu is one of many small island clusters vulnerable to increasing cyclones with fragile water sources. Donors help us deliver huge shipments of hygiene kits, soap, water tanks, and water purification tablets. They also help us invest in long-lasting change.
By working with partners and communities on the ground, we've built a process to identify, prioritise and lessen risks to Vanuatu's water supply.
Rehabilitating or replacing water supply systems has strengthened the resilience in some of the islands’ most vulnerable communities.
UNICEF direct support resulted in 5.4 million people using climate-resilient water systems and 3.2 million using climate-resilient sanitation facilities.
Responding to emergencies isn't a quick fix. We’re there to tackle the root cause of the problems affecting kids, and build lasting and innovative solutions to protect them down the line.
Our job’s not done until there’s a future for every child!
UN0822202
Our focus from 2022 – 2025
Making sure children grow up healthy & strong by accessing good nutrition, quality healthcare and nurturing mental health services.
In 2022 alone we reached 356 million children under 5 - more than ever before – through our malnutrition prevention and treatment programmes. What's more the number of children, young people and caregivers provided with mental health and psychosocial support services more than doubled to 25.2 million while a further 4.5 million children were reached through our disability-inclusive programmes.
We respond immediately to emergencies to make sure kids aren't cut off from crucial services that support their health, growth and happiness.
UNI122674
Creating opportunities and fostering dreams through continuous and quality education.
We helped almost 40 million out-of-school children access education in 2022, including 3.1 million children on the move and 18.6 million in humanitarian settings.
When a crisis strikes you can’t postpone a child’s education. There is no pause button, only a future that could be lost forever.
UN0803388
Keeping children safe with fair and inclusive protection programmes.
We scaled up our parenting support programmes to prevent violence, exploitation and harmful practises, reaching almost 12 million caregivers – up from 3 million in 2021.
We're committed to preventing and responding to child abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence during emergencies, when children are most vulnerable.
UNI219842
Providing sustainable, long-lasting, and clean; water sources, sanitation facilities, and environments for all children.
In 2022, we reached more than 39 million people with clean water and basic sanitation & hygiene services in emergency situations.
During conflict and disaster, water facilities are often damaged or destroyed and water sources contaminated. Donors help us deliver safe water and sanitation while also strengthening and building resilient systems and services, so there’s a future for every child.
UN0718769
Helping every child live a life free from poverty and reach their full potential.
With support from UNICEF, Governments were able to reach 129 million kids through our cash transfer programmes.
By giving cash to families who need help in emergencies, they have the choice to spend their money on what they need based on their own personal situations. Whether that be for food, housing, education, or other essential items.
UN0778070
Donate to this appeal
SSL protected donation
Ceasefire in Lebanon
Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell on the announcement of a ceasefire in Lebanon
Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell - Lebanon and Israel
Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell on the increase in attacks in Lebanon and Israel
UNICEF concerned for children affected by Typhoon Yagi, ready to support response efforts
UNICEF is ready to support response efforts for children and families who may be affected by Typhoon Yagi.
Children at significant risk from surging mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The new Mpox variant adds extra burden for children and families living through conflict and displacement
Sudan: a dire humanitarian situation for children, warn UNICEF, Save the Children & World Vision
As violence in Sudan continues, UNICEF, World Vision and Save the Children are highlighting the danger to children if ceasefire is not respected by all parties.