DEHIBAT, Tunisia, 27 April 2011 – One month ago, Marwa, 11, was a fifth grade student at Nafousa school in western Libya, But when fighting came closer to her home in Nalut, schools closed and she was forced to stay home. Recent threats of shelling of her town left Marwa and her family with no … Continued

It was the screams that made Mr Mohamed jump. Shrieks and cries had become frighteningly familiar for those living in the western Libyan city of Misrata, but this was a singular scream. This was Mr Mohamed’s son. Field report from UNICEF Communication Specialist James Elder, in Benghazi. He ran to the roof where nine-year-old Mufteh … Continued

After weeks of virtual shutdown, Côte d’Ivoire’s economic capital Abidjan is slowly recovering and health centers are progressively reopening. The population stayed in their home for more than two weeks and due to shortage of staff, drugs and supplies, most health facilities in the city had to close. UNICEF has started to deliver basic kits … Continued

“This World Malaria Day – and every day – around 2,000 children will die from a mosquito bite,” said Anthony Lake, UNICEF Executive Director. “We have effective measures to combat this deadly disease — and we must use them to save lives.” Malaria is the third single biggest killer of children globally. An estimated 800,000 … Continued

Defying the scorching sun, Barakaali Ali, a young twenty year-old mother, waits eagerly for her turn to collect the Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (LLIN) at her local distribution point in North Central Nigeria’s state of Nassarawa. “My son, Shuaibu has had malaria three times since he was born,” says Barakaali of her 10 month … Continued

Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, 7 April 2011 – Little Moke is 4 years old and for the past 5 days he’s had fever and no appetite. “I am really worried; he doesn’t stop complaining about pain. Usually he plays all day long, but now he is totally listless,” explains Nsadisa, his 25 year old … Continued

Marceline Nguizaima, 38, lost three babies to malaria between 2008 and 2009, each before their first birthday. She still cries when she thinks about them, which is often.  “Children should be with their parents, they shouldn’t die,” she says, “they should be taken care of.” Marceline and her husband used to sleep under a mosquito … Continued

  A boat carrying UNICEF life-saving supplies has reached the port of Misrata in western Libya today. “Children in Misrata need urgent protection,” said Shahida Azfar, UNICEF RegionalmDirector for the Middle East and North Africa. “This latest batch of supplies will provide for their basic needs, but their long term recovery will only begin when … Continued

  Report by James Elder in Benghazi, Libya  — Before intense fighting engulfed Misrata 50 days ago, five-year-old Dava* would play dress-ups and make beaded necklaces. In this she was probably typical of most five year olds living in the western Libyan city. But who would know? For the first two months of this conflict, … Continued

After four months of conflict, the dark clouds of political uncertainty are slowly clearing in Côte d’Ivoire. For the first time since the crisis began following presidential elections there last November, UNICEF was able to airlift medical, nutrition, education, water and sanitation supplies to the country at the weekend. Video: UNICEF correspondent Chris Niles reports … Continued

Marceline Nguizaima, 38, lost three babies to malaria between 2008 and 2009, each before their first birthday. She still cries when she thinks about them, which is often. Bangui/Mpoko II, Central African Republic (CAR), 11 April 2011 – Marceline Nguizaima, 38, lost three babies to malaria between 2008 and 2009, each before their first birthday. … Continued

DUÉKOÉ / MAN, Côte d’Ivoire, 15 April 2011 – “Duékoué is  far west, we need to find our way back to normal,” said Ibrahim, 39, head of an extended family of eight who found shelter at one of the sites for displaced people in the city of Man in western Côte d’Ivoire. Field report by … Continued