Caucasus: UNICEF sets up centres for the displaced [ 06/09/2008 ]

GENEVA, Switzerland, 5 September 2008 – When the conflict broke out last month in and around South Ossetia, Georgia, Solomon Surameli, a 10-year-old living in the frontline village of Brotsleti, fled south with his parents.

Haiti: Storms batter the Caribbean, displacing thousands of children and their families [ 06/09/2008 ]

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, 5 September 2008 – Over 200 people are dead and nearly 600,000 urgently need help after a series of storms that have battered Haiti over the past three weeks, according to UN officials. And there may be more storms to come.

Sri Lanka: New water pipeline brings health and hope [ 06/09/2008 ]

TANGALLE, Sri Lanka, 4 September 2008 – Until the opening of the UNICEF-funded Tangalle Water Supply Scheme in southern Sri Lanka last week, Apsara Gunaratne's problems were much like those of the approximately1 billion other people around the world who live without access to safe water.

Tanzania: Massive national campaign for accelerated child survival [ 06/09/2008 ]

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, 4 September 2008 – In a country such as Tanzania, where most families survive on less than $1 a day, special medical care is an unaffordable luxury. Thanks to the government's efforts, however, most services are now free of charge in its health facilities countrywide.

Afghanistan: Actor Jude Law and director Jeremy Gilley to promote peace [ 06/09/2008 ]

KABUL, Afghanistan, 3 September 2008 – British actor and Peace One Day envoy Jude Lawand Jeremy Gilley, film director and founder of Peace One Day campaign, travelled to Afghanistan for a two-day mission this week. While there, they screened a new documentary, 'The Day After Peace', about the efforts of ordinary Afghans in support of peace.

Eritrea: Sara Communication Initiative helps a young widow return to school [ 06/09/2008 ]

HASHISHAY, Eritrea, 2 September 2008 – Amid the dryheat and the scorching sun of Hashishay village in the north-west of Eritrea, there lies an oasis of huts made of mud-brick walls and grass-and-bamboo roofs. Meriem Abubeker, a 22-year-old widow, lives in Hashishay with her four-year-old son.

Nepal: Flooding leaves women and children vulnerable [ 06/09/2008 ]

SUNSARI, Nepal, 2 September 2008 – In better times, the classroom in the Sunsari district of southern Nepal would be filled with young students. Today, it is occupied by 10 families – a total of about 80 people – seeking refuge after the Saptakoshi River flooded and washed away everything they had.

Malawi: One woman's fight to ensure justice for child victims of abuse [ 06/09/2008 ]

BLANTYRE, Malawi, 27 August 2008 - Malawi's justice system, like those in many other African nations, was designed to punish offenders, not to protect the victims. When the victims are children, a lack of protection can have distressing, if not catastrophic, results.

Nepal: Responding to the needs of flood-affected villagers [ 06/09/2008 ]

SUNSARI, Nepal, 26 August 2008– Last week, the Saptakoshi River breached its banks and waters swept through half a dozen villages. Now, there are thousands of people, mainly women and children, packed in over two dozen schools and other temporary shelters in Inaruwa, the district headquarters of Sunsari.

Colombia: Armed groups steal childhood from girls and boys alike [ 06/09/2008 ]

BOGOTA, Columbia, 25 August 2008 – Juan, 15, and Gloria, 12, lived with their parents in the rural community of Antioquia, Colombia. But their family life was disrupted when both children were captured and recruited by one of the country's illegal armed groups.

Sudan: Emmanuel Jal brings a message of peace [ 06/09/2008 ]

NEW YORK, USA, 25 August 2008 – Over a decade has passed since Sudanese hip hop star Emmanuel Jal was a child soldier. He survived to tell his story and is now an acclaimed international musician with a message of peace.

Indonesia: UNICEF supports a new mother living with HIV [ 06/09/2008 ]

GRESIK, Indonesia, 25 August 2008 – Umi was just like any other girl in Gresik, a sweltering port city in East Java. But one night, some older male friends invited her to a party, where she was shown an assortment of strange needles and syringes.

Mozambique: 'Model Mothers' work to combat malnutrition [ 06/09/2008 ]

NAMPULA, Mozambique, 22 August 2008 - It is mid-morning in Ilha de Moçambique, a small island off the coast of Nampula Province. Anabela Muchuza, a nutrition technician, makes her rounds of the mother-and-child ward of the island's main health centre. The giggles of a baby girl draw her attention to the back of the room.

Malawi: New classrooms create a renewed enthusiasm for school [ 06/09/2008 ]

MULANJE, Malawi, 21 August 2008– Thembe Primary School has seen better days. Nestled at the foot of Mount Mulanje in southern Malawi, the school was built in 1957, before the country gained independence.

Indonesia: New line of defense against bird flu [ 06/09/2008 ]

WEST JAVA, Indonesia, 19 August 2008 – More than 5,000 Indonesian boy and girl scouts have pledged to fight the battle against avian influenza in their home province of West Java. The scouts recently gathered at a seaside town in Sukabumi district to learn about bird flu and how they can help protect their communities from the deadly virus.

Georgia: Conflict leaves children displaced and vulnerable [ 06/09/2008 ]

GENEVA, Switzerland, 19 August 2008 – Children of different ages played in the yard of a Tbilisi kindergarten. More than 24 hours had passed since they left the conflict zone around South Ossetia, and some of them were still afraid to enter the building.

Beijing: Jackie Chan and other celebrities attend 'Champions for Children' event [ 06/09/2008 ]

BEIJING, China, 15 August 2008 – One day after the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games, UNICEF China hosted 'Champions for Children' – an evening of advocacy for the most vulnerable children in China.

'Bee' system prototypes represent the future of connectivity in emergencies [ 06/09/2008 ]

NEW YORK, USA, 20 August 2008 – UNICEF has successfully tested the first two prototypes of the 'Bee', a mobile communication system developed by the Division of Communication. The Bee will allow communication, connectivity and data access in field conditions where such technologies are often difficult or impossible to use.

Malawi: Campaign aims to promote hand-washing and save young lives [ 06/09/2008 ]

LILONGWE, Malawi, 15 August 2008 – A new campaign to promote hand-washing with soap is under way in Malawi. Using a cheerful animated character, called 'SOPO', the campaign has caught the imagination of children across the country.

Papua New Guinea : UNICEF strives to help break cycle of violence [ 06/09/2008 ]

NEW YORK, USA, 14 August 2008 – UNICEF is at the forefront of a nationwide effort to end domestic and gender-based violence in Papua New Guinea.

Thousands displaced in Russia and Georgia [ 06/09/2008 ]

NEW YORK, USA, 15 August 2008 – UNICEF remains deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of civilians affected by the hostilities in and around South Ossetia, Georgia. According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, 100,000 people, many of them children and women, have been displaced as a result of the fighting. Many others have reportedly been killed or wounded.

Myanmar: UNICEF continues relief efforts for cyclone victims [ 06/09/2008 ]

YANGON, Myanmar, 12 August 2008 – UNICEF Myanmar has pledged to continue relief works until the lives of cyclone-affected families are fully restored.

Nigeria: A father supports his wife's breastfeeding [ 06/09/2008 ]

ABUJA, Nigeria, 12 August 2008 - He stuck out like a sore thumb amidst the more than three hundred women cradling their babies at the annual baby show.

China: Summer camp begins for children affected by AIDS [ 06/09/2008 ]

BEIJING, China, 11 August 2008 - On Saturday, the 5th Annual UNICEF Summer Camp for Children Affected by AIDS opened with a ceremony in the Great Hall of the People. The ceremony began with a song called "Tomorrow Will Be Better", which was performed by eight children affected by AIDS.

Honduras: The power of football to improve young lives [ 06/09/2008 ]

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, 11 August 2008 - When he scored against host country Spain in the 1982 FIFA Wold Cup, Héctor Zelaya grabbed the attention of football fans worldwide. Today, in his home country of Honduras, his influence on the lives of children is no less profound.

Bolivia: Young mother works to prevent HIV transmission [ 06/09/2008 ]

LA PAZ, Bolivia, 8 August 2008 - María Isabel is a 23-year-old mother living with HIV/AIDS. She thought her son might also be HIV-positive and there was some initial confusion about his status. Eventually, she agreed to have him tested.

XVII International AIDS Conference closes with a focus on children [ 06/09/2008 ]

MEXICO CITY, Mexico, 08 AUGUST 2008 – As the 17th International AIDS Conference came to a close in Mexico City, issues affecting children were front and center.

Tajikistan: Hospitals support exclusive breastfeeding [ 06/09/2008 ]

Tajikistan, 7 August 2008 - Over the last decade, Tajikistan Breastfeeding Week has been made possible through the support provided by UNICEF and the Ministry of Health (MoH) of Tajikistan and its partners. This year, in an effort to increase support from other channels, World Breastfeeding Week is promoting the global theme of, 'going for the gold by supporting mothers to breastfeed'.

Swaziland: Citizens and royalty stand together to lend support for mothers who breastfeed [ 06/09/2008 ]

MANTAMBE, Swaziland, 6 August 2008 – Swaziland's strongest citizens stood up for its most vulnerable ones for the launch of World Breastfeeding Week. Wife to the Swazi King, Inkhosikati LaMbikiza, kicked off the seven-day celebration designed to raise awareness on the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding and to encourage greater support for mothers who choose to breastfeed their children.

China: UNICEF focuses on children affected by AIDS during the 2008 Olympic Games [ 06/09/2008 ]

NEW YORK, 6 August 2008 – As the eyes of the world turn towards China for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic Games, UNICEF is taking the opportunity to focus attention on one of the country's most marginalized groups – children affected by AIDS.

Nigeria: Goodwill Ambassador Kanu Nwankwo promotes 'Football for Hope' [ 06/09/2008 ]

LAGOS, Nigeria, 6 August 2008 – In the township of Agege, hundreds of excited children gathered to meet Nigerian football star and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Nwankwo Kanu. Nwankwo's appearance marked the end of the first phase of 'Project Excel' – a joint venture of FIFA's 'Football for Hope', Search and Groom Youth Development Centre and UNICEF.

Mexico: Executive Director Ann M. Veneman speaks on 'Keeping the Promise' at XVII International AIDS Conference [ 06/09/2008 ]

MEXICO CITY, Mexico, 5 August 2008 – UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman headed a UNICEF delegation to the 17th International AIDS Conference in Mexico City yesterday, where she led a session entitled 'Keeping the promise: Unite for Children, Unite against AIDS.'

Ethiopia: Insecticide-treated bednets save lives [ 06/09/2008 ]

SHEBEDINO, Ethiopia, 5 August 2008 – The rainy season is well underway in much of Ethiopia, but while the rains bring hope to rural communities, they also create ideal breeding conditions for malaria-carrying mosquitoes.

Nepal: Removing barriers to girls' education [ 06/09/2008 ]

KAPILVASTU, Nepal, 5 August 2008 – Mr. Rakesh Srivastav, the district education officer of Kapilvastu, in the Terai region of Nepal, is on a mission. Over the next years, he wants to integrate the 200 Islamic schools in his district, known as madrasas, into the formal school system.

Nigeria: 'Youth Corps' fights AIDS with knowledge [ 06/09/2008 ]

ABUJA, Nigeria, 4 August 2008 – Nigeria's youth are leading the call in the fight against HIV/AIDS, using knowledge as their weapon in classrooms and on the streets.

Mexico: Lead-up to XVII International AIDS Conference puts children in the spotlight [ 06/09/2008 ]

MEXICO CITY, Mexico, 4 August 2008 – Children took the spotlight in the days leading up to the 17th International AIDS Conference in Mexico City this year. This year's conference is marked by over 300 side events. UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman is poised to speak at a satellite session on Monday night entitled, 'Keeping the promise: Unite for Children, Unite against AIDS'.

Mexico: Children in the spotlight at the XVII International AIDS Conference [ 06/09/2008 ]

MEXICO CITY, Mexico, 4 August 2008 – Children took the spotlight in the days leading up to the 17th International AIDS Conference in Mexico City this year. This year's conference is marked by over 300 side events. UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman is poised to speak at a satellite session on Monday night entitled, 'Keeping the promise: Unite for Children, Unite against AIDS'.

Mozambique: Veneman announces more support for child nutrition [ 06/09/2008 ]

MAPUTO, Mozambique, 1 August 2008 – UNICEF Executive Director Ann. M. Veneman, concluding a three-day visit to Mozambique, announced $3 million in additional support for UNICEF's nutrition programmes in the country.

Togo: Breastfeeding and food insecurity [ 06/09/2008 ]

ZOWLA, Togo, 1 August 2008 РIn this village in the Maritime region of Togo, V̩ronique the tailor is well known. It is not for her dressmaking skills that she is respected, but for her work as head of the local breastfeeding support group.

Syrian Arab Republic: Goodwill Ambassador Angelique Kidjo performs in Damascus [ 06/09/2008 ]

DAMASCUS, Syria, 30 July 2008 РUNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Ang̩lique Kidjo performed for the 2008 Damascus World Music Festival last week, delivering a message of peace, hope and protection for all children.

UNAIDS report: Progress being made in fighting HIV but huge challenges remain [ 06/09/2008 ]

NEW YORK, 29 July 2008 – The '2008 Report on the global AIDS epidemic', released by UNAIDS today, reveals that fewer people are dying of AIDS than in previous years and fewer are becoming infected.

Honduras: Young activist and editor inspires children living with HIV [ 06/09/2008 ]

The XVll International AIDS Conference begins in Mexico on 3 August. About 25,000 people are expected to attend, including political and public health leaders, and young people affected by AIDS. Here is one in a series of stories leading up to the annual conference.

World Breastfeeding Week: Educating Indonesian mothers and midwives [ 06/09/2008 ]

LOMBOK, Indonesia, 29 July 2008 – It's early morning as Dwinta Dyah Larasanti, a midwife, sets off to the local health clinic prepared to fight poor infant feeding – a trend that leads to the death of some 50,000 children in Indonesia each year. Dwinta's weapon in this battle is simple: accurate information.

UNAIDS global report: Progress on prevention, but challenges remain [ 06/09/2008 ]

NEW YORK, 29 July 2008 – The '2008 Report on the global AIDS epidemic', released by UNAIDS today, reveals that fewer people are dying of AIDS than in previous years and fewer are becoming infected.

Japan: 'Junior 8' retrospective: Memories and challenges [ 06/09/2008 ]

CHITOSE, Japan, 28 July 2008 – For 39 young people who gathered in Chitose on the island of Hokkaido, Japan, earlier this month, the G8 meeting of world leaders was more than just a distant, high-level international event.

Madagascar: UNICEF Executive Director pays first visit to country to assess cyclone recovery [ 06/09/2008 ]

ANALANJIROFO, Madagascar, 28 July 2008 – Ann M. Veneman, on the first-ever visit by a UNICEF Executive Director to Madagascar, spent Sunday in Analanjirofo, the region hardest hit by Cyclone Ivan earlier this year.

The Republic of the Congo: New national policy provides free malaria treatment to the most vulnerable [ 06/09/2008 ]

BRAZZAVILLE, Republic of Congo, 28 July 2008 – At 8 o'clock in the evening, Monique ran through the streets requesting assistance from her neighbours. Her three-year-old daughter Lana was convulsing and her breathing was laboured. Later, at the health centre, the doctor on duty diagnosed the child with cerebral malaria and prescribed life-saving drugs for Lana.

Occupied Palestinian Territory: Recreational outings relieve children's stress [ 06/09/2008 ]

GAZA, Occupied Palestinian Territory, 25 July 2008 – Every day, children and adolescents throughout the Gaza Strip suffer from the disruption of basic services and deteriorating living standards. The children of Shoka, a small Bedouin area bordering with Israel, are no exception.

Myanmar: Cyclone-affected children return to the classroom. [ 06/09/2008 ]

LAPUTTA TOWNSHIP, Myanmar, 22 July 2008 – The school year here in the southern Irrawaddy Delta region was supposed to resume last month. The destruction and damage affecting nearly 60 per cent of the area's public schools in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis, however, prevented classes from starting on time.

Gender equality: Women parliamentarians lead change in Africa [ 06/09/2008 ]

NEW YORK, USA, 22 July 2008 – Several African countries are at the forefront of a growing trend to substantially increase female representation in parliaments around the world.