By Donncha O’Callaghan, UNICEF Ireland Ambassador When I heard the dreadful news about the horrific explosions in Beirut, my heart went out to the children and families of Lebanon. I am sure yours did too because Ireland and Lebanon have a very special relationship. Not only do we have peacekeeping troops stationed there, but, over … Continued

The surge in attacks in Lebanon in September 2024 is the latest disaster to hit the country, following years of emergencies and economic crisis. From 23-24 September over 1,200 airstrikes were conducted across Lebanon. More than 558 people were killed, including at least 50 children, and 1,835 others were injured. The attacks triggered mass displacement … Continued

Grainne Moloney UNICEF Regional Nutrition Specialist in Eastern and Southern Africa   The COVID-19 pandemic has spread across the world. Children and adolescents are less directly affected by the virus, but they are the most vulnerable when critical food supplies and health services become overwhelmed and income levels drop. In Eastern and Southern Africa, countries … Continued

With the ongoing conflicts and disasters affecting millions of children and young people around the world, COVID 19 is a global socio-economic earthquake in the region’s conflict zones. It has arrived at a time of unprecedented global need, with a record 168 million people already requiring humanitarian assistance at the beginning of the year. Syria … Continued

In war-torn countries like Yemen and Syria, children are in terrible danger from COVID-19. They risk becoming the hidden victims of the virus because whilst they won’t die of it they will die because of it. 6,000 children could die every day as a direct consequence of the pandemic, that’s one child every 15 seconds, if we … Continued

The Rohingya population in Bangladesh is among the world’s most vulnerable communities. Currently, 400,000 children and their families live in the world’s largest refugee camp, Cox’s Bazar.  The heavily congested camp is in one of the poorest, most disaster-prone areas of Bangladesh and the Rohingya community are at high risk from a deadly COVID-19 outbreak. On … Continued

This World Immunisation Week (April 24), it is more important than ever to think about vaccinating your child. Outbreaks of dangerous, preventable diseases are inevitable when pockets of children are left unprotected. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak is confronting families around the world. Suddenly, parents are facing an urgent challenge: how to protect themselves and … Continued

By Donncha O’Callaghan, UNICEF Ireland Ambassador   Nearly two years ago a deadly Ebola outbreak hit the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). So far, this epidemic has claimed over 2,000 lives, and infected 975 children.   Last Sunday, April 12th, an official announcement was expected to declare the terrifying outbreak finally over. The country had gone over 6 weeks without a case, and amid the COVID-19 pandemic, this would have been a moment for us all to truly celebrate.   But sadly, over the weekend, devastating news came through of the death of a 26-year old man … Continued

The Department of Education has announced contingency measures for the Leaving Certificate exams, due to the Covid-19 restrictions. Many of you (46,000) have spoken out about your concerns and preferred options through ISSU Irish Second-Level Students’ Union #ClarificationNow survey. ISSU has represented students views in meetings with the Department of Education as part of the … Continued

Thanks to our Supply Division, the world’s largest humanitarian supply warehouse, UNICEF is prepared and ready to respond to the urgent needs of children caught up emergencies whenever and wherever they need us. Our teams in Supply Division work to prepare and send lifesaving supplies in less than 72 hours. But it is only possible … Continued

The COVID-19 emergency pandemic has rapidly developed into an unprecedented global health emergency. Everything has changed so fast and it has taken almost all of us by surprise.  Children and parents’ lives are being turned upside down and many of us are experiencing an emergency for the first time in our lives.   Emergencies are often caused by natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and … Continued

Isabella Bizzotto is a 28-year old Italian nurse specialising in anesthesia and intensive care. She’s been working at the University Hospital in Padua (which is in Veneto, one of the hardest hit regions in Italy) since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak. We spoke to her about life on the front lines, the daily challenges … Continued