DADAAB, Kenya, 11 July 2011 – It was a difficult decision, but in the end Hawa Issak decided to leave her home. The drought had destroyed her family’s livelihood, her husband had left her and she was pregnant. She did not see any future in southern Somalia’s Gedo Region, so she joined up with six … Continued

Hundreds of thousands of refugees are overwhelming camps in Dadaab, north-eastern Kenya, where they are seeking a haven from drought and conflict in neighbouring Somalia. Report by Chris Niles Dagahaley, Ifo and Hagadera camps in Dadaab were planned for 90,000 people and are now home to about 370,000. Taken together, the camps comprise the largest … Continued

The celebrations on the streets of Juba have already begun. School children waving flags and carrying banners have joined tribal warriors and soldiers in rehearsals for Saturday’s big celebrations. As South Sudan gets ready for becoming the world’s newest nation, the pride and excitement is visible on every face. Report by Simon Ingram However, the … Continued

At the end of this week, on 9 July, South Sudan will become an independent nation. Citizens of the newest country in the world, the people of Southern Sudan face immense challenges and immediate threats. Report by Rudina Vojvoda They also stand before a unique opportunity to build a country that is free of war, … Continued

  It breaks my heart to write to you today with an urgent appeal for the children of East Africa.  Nearly two million of them under the age of five are at risk of death and disease, because of a deadly combination of drought, conflict and escalating food prices. The situation in East Africa is … Continued

More than 10 million people across the Horn of Africa are in dire need of humanitarian assistance due to a deadly combination of drought, escalating food prices and armed conflict. Among the most vulnerable from this drought are 2 million children under the age of five in Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti. VIDEO: UNICEF’s Regional … Continued

AZEBO, Ethiopia, 1 July 2011 – Tilalem Kiros, 13, a seventh grader in Raya Azebo district in the Tigray Region of northern Ethiopia, wants to be a doctor when she grows up. But she fears her daily struggle for water supply will ultimately prevent her. VIDEO: UNICEF correspondent Chris Niles reports on how lack of … Continued

With a major food and refugee crisis looming in the Horn of Africa due to a deadly combination of drought, on-going conflict and escalating food prices, UNICEF calls on local governments and donors to lead a rapid humanitarian response. According to UNICEF, millions of children and women are at risk from death and disease unless … Continued

The European Union humanitarian aid department (ECHO), UNICEF and Action Against Hunger are working hand-in-hand with Uganda’s Ministry of Health, referral hospitals, health centres, and communities to integrate the treatment and prevention of malnutrition into routine health services. A passing herd of cattle is a common sight in Karamoja, where the sound of their hooves … Continued

NIMBA COUNTY, Liberia, 24 June 2011 – Forty-year old Philippe Cheugui used to teach history and geography at a school in Danane, a town in western Côte d’Ivoire. He was a successful teacher and public spokesperson, an inspiration to many. Report by Priyanka Pruthi VIDEO: 19 May 2011 – UNICEF correspondent Priyanka Pruthi reports on … Continued

JERUSALEM, 22 June 2011 – UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and global education advocate Shakira visited the Max Rayne ‘Hand-in-Hand’ School for Bilingual Education in Jerusalem yesterday, meeting with students to talk about the power of education. Report by Sarit Henig VIDEO: 21 June 2011 – UNICEF reports on the visit by pop singer and UNICEF Goodwill … Continued

  Help UNICEF Ireland provide bikes for female healthcare workers in rural parts of Zimbabwe to reach vulnerable children in remote communities and improve health standards.  These simple means of transport, as seen by Ireland rugby international Donncha O’Callaghan during his tour of Zimbabwe, can have a major impact on increasing the area covered by … Continued