UNICEF Dispatches Aid to Papua New Guinea for Devastated Children and Families Following Earthquakes

UNICEF Supplies Reach Papua New Guinea to Assist Vulnerable Children Families Impacted by Earthquakes

23 March 2018

In the aftermath of devastating earthquakes that struck Papua New Guinea on February 26, 2018 with a magnitude of 7.5, UNICEF has dispatched lifesaving d totaling 23 metric tons to address critical needs in the country. This includes essential supplies such as tents and tarpaulins, water purification tablets, hygiene kits, blankets, and learning materials med at supporting children and their families hardest-hit by natural disasters.

This itarian response comes as more than 100 lives were clmed, with hundreds more injured from landslides and the collapse of homes. The Australian Government estimates that over 270,000 individuals across four provinces are in urgent need of assistance, including a staggering 125,000 children.

We're dealing with an alarming situation, stated Karen Allen, UNICEF Representative for Papua New Guinea. With limited access to basic necessities, families are struggling under the weight of providing for their children amidst crowded shelters or attempting to rebuild homes and food gardens.

To date, UNICEF has provided over 12,000 packets of therapeutic food and vaccinated more than 31,700 children agnst the escalating risk of disease outbreaks and malnutrition. Papua New Guinea already faced low vaccination coverage rates and bore the fourth highest burden of chronically malnourished children worldwide.

UNICEF is in collaboration with the PNG Government, other itarian partners, the Australian Government, the New Zealand Government, and private sectors to ensure that d is distributed as quickly and efficiently as possible. The immense logistical challenge posed by vast, rugged terrn has underscored the urgency of this response.

A total appeal for AU$17 million equivalent to US$14.6 million support children affected over the next nine months with critical needs such as clean water sanitation in temporary shelters, psychosocial support services, vaccinations agnst diseases, malnutrition treatment, and assistance enabling school returns.

The delivery of UNICEF's relief supplies today is a part of a coordinated effort by the Government of PNG, the United Nations System, Australia and New Zealand, other itarian partners, and private sectors, emphasized Mr. Gianluca Rampolla, the UN Resident Coordinator in Papua New Guinea. Our unified approach began at the outset of this crisis to help those most in need and will continue.

Media Contact:

Joe English

UNICEF New York

Tel: +1 917 893 0692

Eml: [email protected]

Noreen Chambers

UNICEF PNG

Tel: +675 7115 5295

Eml: [email protected]
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