NEW YORK, May 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Some 130 UNICEF technical
and operations staff traveled to the areas affected by Cyclone Nargis
today, identifying the greatest threats to children and women and
delivering life- saving supplies.
"Time is of the essence," said Ann M. Veneman, UNICEF Executive
Director. "UNICEF had prepositioned emergency supplies, which staff in
country are now distributing as quickly as possible, and more staff and
supplies are on the way. In situations such as these, children are highly
vulnerable to disease and hunger and they need immediate help to survive."
In the wake of the disaster, lack of access to clean water and poor
sanitation, inadequate shelter and poor nutrition pose particular risks to
children. The risk of diarrhea increases and children are highly
susceptible to this threat. Floods can also be a source of mosquito
breeding and can lead to outbreaks of malaria and dengue fever, which are
endemic in Myanmar. UNICEF water and sanitation experts are also concerned
that the breakdown in the power supplies and sanitation systems may lead to
a high risk of infections and water-borne diseases such as cholera and
dysentery.
Emergency supplies that UNICEF had prepositioned and is now
distributing include: water purifying solutions, oral rehydration salts,
tarpaulins, UNICEF family kits (which include cooking and cleaning
implements and jerry cans), bleaching drums.
The provision of gender-appropriate, protected latrines for displaced
persons at camps is another priority. In addition, UNICEF is concerned
about orphaned and separated children and is working with partners and the
government to ensure their protection.
Women and children make up more than 60 per cent of Myanmar's
population, and are likely to be gravely affected. Experience shows that
children are less able to physically defend themselves against such forces
of nature and are more exposed to the dangers that follow in their path.
UNICEF has been present in Myanmar since 1950, with nine zonal offices
and a head office in Yangon.
To donate to the Cyclone Nargis disaster, please go to:
http://www.unicefusa.org/myanmar or call 1-800 4UNICEF.
About UNICEF
For more than 60 years, UNICEF has been the world's leading
international children's organization, working in over 150 countries to
address the ongoing issues that affect why kids are dying. UNICEF provides
lifesaving nutrition, clean water, education, protection and emergency
response saving more young lives than any other humanitarian organization
in the world. While millions of children die every year of preventable
causes like dehydration, upper respiratory infections and measles, UNICEF,
with the support of partnering organizations and donors alike, has the
global experience, resources and reach to give children the best hope of
survival. For more information about UNICEF, please visit http://www.unicefusa.org
.
SOURCE U.S. Fund for UNICEF
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Related links:
http://www.unicefusa.org
http://www.unicefusa.org/myanmar
CONTACT:
Michael Bociurkiw, +1-212-880-9131;
+1-646-421-0400, mbociurkiw@unicefusa.org, or Marci Greenberg,
+1-212-922-2464, mgreenberg@unicefusa.org, or Lisa Szarkowski,
+1-212-922-2643 lszarkowski@unicefusa.org, all for U.S. Fund for
UNICEF
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