From famine in the Horn of Africa to flooding in Pakistan and uprisings across the Middle East, 2011 was a challenging year for families in the developing world. Report by Chris Niles 31 December 2011: Watch UNICEF’s year in review. Extreme weather, rising food prices, and political conflict displaced millions and pushed families to desperation … Continued

Work must begin “at once” to prevent a disastrous food crisis in West Africa, according to UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake. “More than one million children in the Sahel region of Africa could face life-threatening malnutrition in 2012 if the global community does not take immediate action,” Lake said in a statement. Poor harvests are … Continued

It’s not a tsunami or an earthquake – it is a predictable emergency. UNICEF estimates more than a million children under five will need to be treated in feeding centres for severe malnutrition in the Sahel region of Africa. It is a staggeringly high number, and there is little time to prepare.  Report by Martin … Continued

UNICEF is today delivering water and sanitation supplies to assist in the provision of clean water and sanitation facilities for 15,000 families affected by the devastating floods in southern Philippines. MANILA, PHILIPPINES, 20 December 2011. The agency also today launched an appeal for US$4.2 million to assist families affected by Tropical Storm Washi (local name … Continued

UNICEF Preparing to Respond to Needs of Approximately 43,000 Children Affected by Flooding from Tropical Storm Washi in Mindanao, Philippines Tropical Storm Washi has caused severe flash flooding in Mindanao, Philippines. At least 650 people have reportedly lost their lives with more than 900 still missing. UNICEF is preparing to respond to the needs of … Continued

Tens of thousands of flood-affected children in Pakistan are being kept free of disease through the emergency provision of safe water, sanitation facilities and hygiene lessons. But a lack of funding is putting in doubt future humanitarian assistance. Report by Raheela Chaudhry.  SINDH, Pakistan, 13 December 2011 VIDEO: Tens of thousands of flood-affected children in … Continued

A big thank you to our friends in Houghton Mifflin Harcourt who raised €4,611.80 for the UNICEF Ireland East Africa Appeal. Over 13 million people in East Africa are in need of humanitarian assistance, half of those are children.  In parts of Southern Somalia 1 in every 3 children is acutely malnourished, and a child … Continued

This year Donncha and Dustin are buying Inspired Gifts and saying no to naff (including that Christmas Leinster jumper!). This Christmas look no further than UNICEF’s range of Inspired Gifts. We’ve got gifts that are perfect for everyone, from Mum and Dad to your best friend. What’s more, you can choose to take the strain … Continued

On World AIDS Day, marked across the globe on 1 December, we will celebrate those successes, raise awareness about the HIV and AIDS epidemic, and look toward the work that remains to be done. A radiant smile lights up Agness Chabu’s face as she cuddles Lackson, her 23-month-old son at home in Zambia. Agnes has … Continued

Good news! Measles infection rates on the decline after successful measles vaccination campaign in Somalia. Weaving between makeshift huts of plastic sheeting, health workers urgently knock on every door in Mogadishu: “Today’s the day!” they say, “Vaccination day!”  By Eva Gilliam and Abdulkhadir Abdulle. MOGADISHU, Somalia, 28 November 2011. Throughout 16 districts of Banadir Region, … Continued

Mohammad Ali, of Southern Pakistan, is not the world famous boxing legend, but a true fighter nonetheless. This Mohammad Ali is just two-and-a-half-years-old and from a small village outside of Jamshoro in Pakistan’s Sindh Province. He is winning his struggle to survive after nearly succumbing to health complications associated with severe acute malnutrition. By Chris … Continued

The rugged solar-powered kiosk being tested and developed in Uganda by UNICEF’s Technology for Development unit was featured as one of the best ideas and innovations of the year in Time’s annual “Best Inventions” issue, which hit newsstands this past weekend. UNICEF’s solar-powered computer kiosk made out of rugged, locally available materials, aims to provide … Continued