UNICEF steps in to rescue 50K kids in Odesa – Ukraine can finally take a deep breath!
The UN Children’s Fund UNICEF, delivered supplies on Tuesday to help an estimated 50,000 children in the war-ravaged districts of Odesa, the crucial Black Sea port which Russia bombed on Saturday, just hours after signing a landmark deal to allow Ukrainian grain to reach millions of food insecure people across the world.
Using a total of 27 cargo trucks, UNICEF was able to access the southern Ukrainian city and pre-position water purification equipment, sanitation and hygiene supplies, to prevent sickness due to lack of clean water and sanitation – a major threat to vulnerable families caught in war.
Around 110,000 people will benefit said UNICEF, from the filters and chemicals which were part of the aid delivery, along with hygiene kits which should help keep some 14,000 children healthy.
Rapid response
“UNICEF is delivering life-saving supplies to important areas including Odesa and surrounds, so we can quickly respond to the most vulnerable families who are affected by the ongoing fighting and shelling in eastern Ukraine,” said UNICEF Ukraine Representative Murat Sahin.
“Provision of safe water supplies and hygiene kits will help an estimated 50,000 children stay healthy in these challenging circumstances.”
As well as Odesa city, these supplies will be delivered to regions close to the fighting, including Mykolaiv, which has come under heavy shelling in recent weeks.
Helping the displaced
Additionally, the supplies will contribute to improving the living conditions of internally displaced families and children, many of whom have fled to Odesa from war-affected districts.
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Last Friday’s UN-brokered deal paving the way for Ukraine to begin exporting grain once more to markets in the developing world, will rely on being able to ship cereals out of Odesa’s main port, which has been under threat since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February, and the mining of waterways around the coastal city.
So far, the city has been relatively unscathed compared with the near total destruction of Mariupol further to the east. But on Saturday, Russia launched cruise missile strikes, reportedly confirming on Sunday via a foreign ministry spokesperson, that it had been targeting military infrastructure in Odesa port.
More aid to Government-controlled areas
Amid continuing hopes that the first shipments of stranded grain could leave Ukraine’s Black Sea ports within days, 50 tons of different humanitarian supplies, initially destined for another hard-hit location, have been delivered to the severely affected Government-controlled settlement of Stepnohirsk.
Due to the ongoing hostilities, UN and humanitarian partners have been unable to deliver any assistance to non-Government-controlled areas since the start of the war.
In this instance, the town of Polohy, could not be reached, said a statement from UN humanitarians in Ukraine, issued on Monday night.
According to the Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, Osnat Lubrani, medicine, food, blankets and supplies for children were delivered to Stepnohirsk and will also be sent to the neighbouring town of Prymorske.
About 5,000 people in urgent need will benefit from the items delivered.
Ms. Lubrani called on all the parties to the conflict to allow life-saving aid to reach those most in need.
Simon Blake is an experienced journalist deeply interested in international affairs and global development. Having spent years reporting on humanitarian issues, he offers a unique perspective in his coverage of United Nations news.
UNICEF has truly shown its commitment to saving lives in Odesa by swiftly delivering vital supplies to thousands of children in need. Their rapid response in providing water purification equipment and hygiene supplies is crucial in preventing illnesses among families affected by the ongoing conflict. It’s heartwarming to see organizations like UNICEF making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children during these challenging times.
How long did it take for UNICEF to organize and deliver all these supplies to Odesa? Such a crucial and rapid response!
UNICEF was able to organize and deliver the supplies to Odesa in a remarkably short time. The rapid response shows the commitment and efficiency of the organization in aiding vulnerable children in crisis situations.
UNICEF’s rapid response is truly commendable! It’s heartwarming to see organizations stepping in to provide crucial aid to vulnerable families and children affected by the ongoing conflict. The delivery of supplies, including water purification equipment and hygiene kits, will undoubtedly make a significant impact on the well-being of those in Odesa and the surrounding areas. Kudos to UNICEF for their lifesaving efforts!
UNICEF stepping in to rescue 50K kids in Odesa is a commendable effort. It’s heartwarming to see organizations taking action to protect vulnerable populations affected by the conflict. The provision of essential supplies like water purification equipment and hygiene kits is crucial in ensuring the well-being of those caught in the midst of war.
It is heartening to see UNICEF stepping in to rescue 50,000 children in Odesa. The rapid response and delivery of life-saving supplies will make a significant impact on the well-being of vulnerable families affected by the conflict in Ukraine.
It’s heartwarming to see UNICEF stepping in to rescue the children in Odesa. The rapid response and delivery of life-saving supplies are truly essential in such dire circumstances. The aid provided will undoubtedly make a significant difference in ensuring the well-being of these vulnerable families affected by the ongoing conflict.
How will UNICEF ensure the sustainability of the water purification equipment and hygiene supplies in such a conflict-affected region like Odesa?
UNICEF, through partnerships with local organizations and ongoing monitoring, aims to ensure the continued functionality and maintenance of the water purification equipment and hygiene supplies in conflict-affected areas like Odesa. Sustainability plans include training local personnel for equipment upkeep and establishing feedback mechanisms from the community to address any issues promptly.
It’s heartwarming to see UNICEF stepping in to rescue 50,000 kids in Odesa. These children are the innocent victims of war and it’s crucial to provide them with the necessary supplies for their health and well-being. Kudos to UNICEF for their rapid response and dedication to helping those in need.
How will UNICEF ensure the ongoing safety and well-being of these children in the war-ravaged districts of Odesa?