Published 30 Apr 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic poses an extraordinary challenge to the world. Currently affecting more than 200 countries and territories, the virus has upended the lives of children and their families everywhere, placing a huge strain on often already overburdened health and education systems.
UNICEF is working with governments, partners and businesses to provide access to life-saving supplies including personal protective equipment for front line health workers to protect children and families.
Among the around 40 countries across the globe UNICEF has reached with supplies so far are:
On 16 April, UNICEF received a delivery in Abuja of supplies to support the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, including test kits, personal protective equipment (PPE), and other essential health supplies, including routine vaccines for children. The PPE will help protect medical personnel and ancillary staff who are the first responders on the frontline, providing care and treatment to those affected by the virus.
UNICEF is a key partner in the COVID-19 response in Indonesia, supporting national and local authorities to provide prevention messages to communities such as handwashing messages, and developing guidelines for schools and homeschooling to ensure children can keep learning, even if their school is closed. On 22 March, Indonesia received the first of two shipments of supplies shipped from UNICEF’s Supply Division in Copenhagen, including masks, gloves and personal protective equipment.
By the end of March, UNICEF had been able to fly four shipments of COVID-19 aid supplies into Iran from Copenhagen. Included in the fourth shipments were 18.5 metric tons of protective equipment for health personnel treating those affected by COVID-19. ( UNICEF )
