A major emergency vaccination campaign is under way in Syria to protect young children against measles and polio.
Despite road blocks and ongoing fighting in many parts of the country, vital vaccine supplies have been delivered and vaccination teams are working hard to reach almost a million and a half children.
Measles and polio can spread rapidly when people live in crowded conditions, so the focus has been children living in temporary shelters around the country.
A mixture of TV coverage, text messages and health education sessions has helped encourage parents to bring their children for vaccination.
"The numbers of children vaccinated so far are very encouraging given the significant challenges that UNICEF and its partners have been facing on the ground," said David Bull of UNICEF UK.
"Now, as temperatures are plummeting, UNICEF is also extremely concerned about the impact that the cold winter will have on children’s health.
"More than half a million Syrian children have been forced to flee their homes and are now living in temporary shelters or camps. Our teams are working round the clock to provide warm clothing and blankets for children in Syria and those who have fled to neighbouring countries, but we urgently need more funds."
A winter blanket costs just £3.
Please donate and help keep a child warm this winter.
