Statement from Unicef UK as global Coronavirus cases pass one million

Unicef spokespeople available for immediate interview

2 April 2020 – “As global Coronavirus cases pass one million, UNICEF is working around the clock to support children and families in almost every country. Children around the world are being impacted by this pandemic, with illness, lockdowns and school closures affecting their education, mental health and access to critical health services.

“Coronavirus is reaching countries that are already facing humanitarian crisis because of conflict, natural disasters and climate change. We are working to minimise the impact of the pandemic on children by supplying vital medical and hygiene equipment, providing learning resources for children out of school, supporting health authorities and social services, continuing our water and sanitation work in countries with weaker infrastructures and tackling misinformation.

“In the UK we are working to amplify the voices of children in this crisis and supporting front-line workers to reach families who need us the most. But we remain concerned about the immediate and lasting impact of the virus on vulnerable children, and we must not let them slip through the net.”

• Daniel Walden, Unicef UK Senior Emergencies Specialist

ENDS

Notes to editors

For more information, please contact:

Alexandra Murdoch, 0207 375 6179, [email protected]

Unicef UK Media Team, 0207 375 6030, [email protected]

 About Unicef

Unicef is the world’s leading organisation for children, promoting the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.

Unicef UK raises funds to protect children in danger, transform their lives and build a safer world for tomorrow’s children. As a registered charity we raise funds through donations from individuals, organisations and companies and we lobby and campaign to keep children safe. Unicef UK also runs programmes in schools, hospitals and with local authorities in the UK.

For more information please visit unicef.org.uk

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