UNICEF launches $144.5 million appeal

UNICEF is seeking $144.5 million to support urgent humanitarian aid for the estimated 1.5 million affected children in South Asia, many of which have been orphaned or separated from their families and are in critical need of basic care and support. UNICEF has estimated that children account for more than one-third of tsunami deaths. UN Consolidated Flash Appeal [pdf]

The flash appeal, part of a larger UN appeal issued Thursday in Jakarta, will address immediate and emerging needs, and will include:

• Emergency immunization to prevent fatal childhood diseases
• Supply of clean, safe water and provision of basic sanitation
• Special feeding for malnourished children and pregnant women
• Care for traumatized children
• Protection for orphans and separated children
• Provision of education kits, rehabilitation of schools to ensure return of children to school as soon as possible.

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