United Nations Children’s Fund

UNICEF was created in December, 1946 by the UN to provide food, clothing and health care to European children facing famine and disease after World War II. UNICEF was directed to provide its aid ‘without discrimination because of race, creed, nationality, status or political belief’.

Mission

UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

Geographic Focus

Global

Programme Areas

Health
Nutrition
Education
Child protection
Water and sanitation
Climate change