The first shipment of humanitarian aid from UNICEF has just arrived in Lviv. It is part of a convoy consisting of six trucks containing approximately 62 tons of supplies. The shipment was sent from UNICEF’s largest humanitarian warehouse in Copenhagen.
The aid products include personal protective equipment for medical staff, medicines, first aid kits, midwifery kits, surgical equipment, as well as educational materials and toys.
The situation for children and families in Ukraine is desperate. Aid from UNICEF will provide much-needed support for women, children, and healthcare workers, said Murat Sahin, UNICEF Representative in Ukraine.
Since the escalation of the conflict, families have taken shelter in basements and are cut off from basic services. Hospitals and maternity wards have moved their patients to basements. Across the country, hundreds of thousands of people lack access to clean water due to damage to water infrastructure. The country is beginning to run out of basic medical and hygiene supplies.
Another shipment of aid, including 17,000 blankets and warm winter clothing for children, is on its way from the UNICEF warehouse in Mersin, Turkey.
UNICEF is working around the clock to scale up operations as soon as access restrictions to those affected are lifted. Then, humanitarian aid will be sent to the areas most affected by the conflict, said Murat Sahin.
UNICEF is also intensifying its efforts to meet the most urgent needs of children and families crossing the borders into neighboring countries. These efforts include creating support points, so-called Blue Dots, along the routes taken by mothers and children.
UNICEF is appealing for $276 million to help children in Ukraine and an additional $73 million to help the youngest in neighboring countries.
UNICEF reiterates its call for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and for humanitarian organizations to be granted access to those in need. A cessation of hostilities would also allow families from the most affected areas to set out in search of food, water, medical assistance, or to find a safe place.
UNICEF Poland is conducting a fundraiser to help children in Ukraine. The organization’s current support includes the transport of clean water, hygiene and sanitary supplies, and the provision of medical and psychological assistance to the affected community. You can help by making a donation via the website unicef.pl/ukraina.