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/ .
U.S. Fund for UNICEF
