NEW YORK, March 28 /PRNewswire/ -- UNICEF staff in South Asia are
assessing the damage from this morning's earthquake that hit Sumatra in
preparation for the implementation of additional relief efforts in the region.
Today's earthquake comes on the heels of the December 26, 2004 earthquake that
affected millions of children and their families.
This morning's earthquake has UNICEF concerned for the psycho-social
health of the traumatized survivors of last December's earthquake, as this
newest seismic activity may set-off fear and panic in the affected region.
Some children and adults were making great strides dealing with the emotional
stress that such a disaster can cause. In addition to preparing for relief
efforts, UNICEF is actively trying to confirm the safety of its staff. While
the total death and injury toll is unknown, recent experience has shown that
it is likely to rise dramatically as the full impact of the devastation
unfolds.
Prior to this recent emergency, UNICEF was preparing its 100 day
assessment of its ongoing relief and recovery efforts in the December 26
tsunami zone. To date, results from this report show that UNICEF responded to
the crisis quickly through its extensive field office network. Working closely
with community, governmental, UN and NGO counterparts, UNICEF has been helping
ensure that children are protected from communicable disease, nutritional
deficiencies, poor access to education and health care, and vulnerabilities
related to trauma and protection.
Fortunately for the millions affected by the tsunami, private and public
donor response has been both extremely generous and rapid. As of March 15,
UNICEF has received unprecedented support which has led to some positive
initial results, including:
* Very few children have died from preventable disease -- probably the
most important indicator of an effective immediate response.
* In the most heavily affected communities in Indonesia and Sri Lanka, 80
to 100 percent of children are back to school, most within the first
month.
* Reliable systems are in place so most vulnerable communities can access
clean water.
* Almost all separated or vulnerable children are receiving shelter, food
and clothing, family tracing and psycho-social counseling.
ABOUT UNICEF
Founded in 1946, UNICEF helps save, protect and improve the lives of
children around the world through immunization, education, health care,
nutrition, clean water, and sanitation. UNICEF is non-partisan and its
cooperation is free of discrimination. In everything it does, the most
disadvantaged children and the countries in greatest need have priority. To
make a donation or learn more about UNICEF please call 1-800-4UNICEF or go to
http://www.unicefusa.org.
*** Interview opportunities are available ***
SOURCE U.S. Fund for UNICEF
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Related links:
http://www.unicefusa.org
CONTACT:
Marissa Buckanoff, +1-212-922-2485, or
+1-917-363-1569, mbuckanoff@unicefusa.org, or Kini Schoop,
+1-212-880-9132, or +1-917-204-4604, kschoop@unicefusa.org, both
of U.S. Fund for UNICEF
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