Children, not soldiers

Amidst the sounds of war, Olga and her nine-year-old daughter Leona faced the heart-wrenching decision to flee their home in Kyiv. With each passing day, the threat of being cut off from the world loomed larger, as nearby areas lost electricity and essential services. "We have to leave our homes, our relatives, our friends, and go to other…, Access to the essentials , Over six million Ukrainian children are in need of humanitarian assistance, both inside Ukraine and in other countries to which they have fled, many of whom are deprived of basic necessities and living under the constant threat of violence. One of the most urgent needs is access to Water and sanitation supplies safe water, sanitation and hygiene (…, Relying on traditional supplies was not enough , UNICEF typically procures individual WASH items such as soap, buckets, water purification tablets, detergent and sanitary pads from multiple suppliers globally on a “best value for money” principle. These goods are then delivered to our network of global supply hubs where they are packed and stored as kits, ready to be delivered to children in…, Fast-track contracts, “With the disruptions and delays we saw, it was obvious that relying on our traditional suppliers in China and India would not get WASH kits to Ukrainian children quickly enough,” says Aurelia Gasca, WASH Contracts Manager at UNICEF Supply Division. Sourcing supplies from Türkiye and Bulgaria meant they could be transported overland, avoiding…, Delivering the goods, Working closely with teams on the ground, UNICEF developed WASH kits customized for different vulnerable groups. Distribution is prioritized for the worst-hit areas of Eastern Ukraine. For mothers and children fleeing their homes, UNICEF provides hygiene kits for people on the move. Containing just the essentials like soap, sanitary pads and…, Responding to rapidly changing realities , In 2023, over 163,000 of various types of kits have reached more than 932,000 people across Ukraine. The year before, in 2022, supplies were distributed to at least 866,120 people in Ukraine affected and displaced by the war. “While the crisis continues, flexibility and responsiveness will be key,” Gasca emphasizes. “By working hand-in-hand with…