April 03, 2013
Child Mortality: saving lives
poverty, birth mortality, children, environment
The Nuts and Bolts of Saving Lives
Last year, UNICEF staff faced earthquakes, floods, wars, food crises, outbreaks of disease, and myriad other challenges to safeguard young lives. The combination of their dedication and expertise, a sophisticated global supply chain, and the indispensable support of donors and partners made a profound and widespread impact for millions of children.
It meant that UNICEF was able to procure 2.5 billion doses of vaccine, enough to immunize 58 percent of the world’s children. It made possible the distribution of 390.7 million auto-disable syringes, 20,700 metric tons of therapeutic food, 23 million anti-malarial mosquito nets, 17.6 million HIV diagnostic tests, and approximately 1.23 billion water purification tablets. It meant supporting comprehensive health campaigns and “Child Health Days” that targeted over 62 million people in 17 countries. And it enabled UNICEF to help secure vaccine price decreases that will save an estimated $98 million. These are just a few examples.
Working in over 150 countries and territories, UNICEF’s more than 13,000 employees accomplish miracles every day — but none of it would be possible without the voluntary contributions from donors like you. A dedicated and diverse group of supporters — individuals, non-governmental organizations, corporations, foundations, and governments from around the globe — financially empower UNICEF to carry out its work. Donations are put to optimum use, funding effective, low-cost, and proven interventions. More than 90 percent of all money UNICEF receives goes directly to programs and supplies that help children.
U.S. Fund support enabled UNICEF to provide Emergency Relief for children in Pakistan, Japan, Libya and many other disaster-affected countries. Regular Resources went to general support for UNICEF's mission and operational functions. Child Survival programs included immunization drives, health care for mothers and babies, nutrition, clean water and sanitation, and much more. Funding for Education helped UNICEF work to give all children — especially girls — the chance to go to school. Child Protection projects kept children safe from abuse, violence, and exploitation. Support to Other NGOs (non-governmental organizations) helped partners who work with — or on behalf of — UNICEF in the field. With its HIV/AIDS and Children programs, UNICEF provided health care and support for women and children living with HIV and gave HIV-positive women the treatment they need to ensure they did not pass the virus on to their newborn children.