UNICEF Pacific’s Post

How do you practice proper hygiene behaviour in your school? In Nikierere Primary School in Kiribati, a WASH club led by students from Years 1-6 is responsible for ensuring proper hygiene behaviours and encouraging their family to do the same. With support from UNICEF Aotearoa and New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade, UNICEF is ensuring improved access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in outer island primary schools in Kiribati.

A significant number of children in the Pacific do not live with their biological parents or primary caregivers, which, in some cases, heightens the risk of neglect, abuse and exploitation.   Investing to protect children is not only the right thing, but also the smart thing to do, given the cost of violence against children on individuals and societies, and countries’ potential for economic and social development.

As climate-related hazards intensify, mounting evidence points to an increase in: Adverse birth outcomes Malnutrition Diseases Injuries Mental health problems Learning loss Enough is enough. To protect children, we need #ClimateAction NOW.

Children thrive when they feel safe, loved and nurtured.  Families, parents and caregivers play a central role in the wellbeing and development of their children. They offer identity, love, care, provision and protection to children and adolescents, as well as economic security and stability.  UNICEF is calling on Pacific governments to scale up parenting programmes, including for caregivers who are left with children when parents migrate for work. #ForEveryChild, a safe childhood 💙

Climate change is changing children. This is how 👉 https://uni.cf/48vn9RY #ClimateAction

Updated data is key to informed decision making and timely interventions for well-being of women and children. Vanuatu officially launched the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey Key Indicators Report to assist the government and development partners monitor progress towards SDGs and national goals. Supported by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade, UNICEF partnered with Vanuatu Bureau of Statistics, UNFPA Pacific and Pacific Community-SPC to ensure that quality data is made available for decision-making.

“It ripped off our house roof, so we had to move to another family’s home when the storm was very strong in the night,” Jessy vividly remembers #TCLola. Jessy was in Grade 2 when the island was hit by category 5 Tropical Cyclone Lola that ravaged Vanuatu. To help children recover, UNICEF with support from EU Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid, partnered with the Oceania Football Confederation to roll out the Just Play programme in Vanuatu. It promotes learning through play, integrating messages of health, gender equality, social inclusion, safeguarding, and physical activity through active and fun participation in football. Read more 👇

Protecting your child online also helps protect them offline. Discover expert advice on how you can protect their privacy in a digital world 👉 https://uni.cf/4cgDlYF

Don’t you just love fresh coconut? Vitamins and minerals are the building blocks of healthy brains, bones and bodies. UNICEF is working with governments and partners to expand nutrition services and improve children's access to a wider variety of healthy foods. Together, we can end child food poverty and create a brighter future for children across the world. #ForEveryChild, nutrition.