We are distributing life-saving supplies including safe drinking water, food, essential drugs and health kits, as well as other emergency supplies such as blankets, plastic sheeting and cooking sets.
Lack of access to clean water, poor sanitation, inadequate shelter and poor nutrition pose particular threats to children. Diarrhoeal diseases, measles and malaria are the greatest threat to children's lives, especially when linked with under-nutrition. In a post-natural disaster environment, measles is rapidly contagious and can result in high mortality rates.
UNICEF is also concerned about the emotional distress of children caught up in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis. It is working on identifying separated and unaccompanied children, and reunifying them with their families. In any situation where children are living under extremely stressful conditions, both physically and mentally, it is important for their welfare that they are provided with 'child-friendly spaces' where they feel safe and cared for and where they can begin to rebuild their lives. UNICEF has started setting up child-friendly spaces in the camps housing displaced populations.
This emergency is at a critical point. While assistance is reaching victims of the cyclone, it remains a fraction of what is needed. UNICEF needs to increase its emergency operations to address the needs of children and women. If this does not happen, disease and more deaths will turn this into an even bigger human disaster. There is absolutely no more time to lose.
UNICEF is seeking £13m to meet the critical needs of children and women affected by the cyclone in Myanmar. To support UNICEF UK's Myanmar (Burma) cyclone children's appeal, please call 0800 316 53 53 or visit www.unicef.org.uk/myanmar.
