UNICEF and the Government of Japan partner to address urgent needs in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank

EAST JERUSALEM, 13 April 2024 – UNICEF has officially signed two agreements with the Government of Japan addressing urgent needs in the Gaza Strip and in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. This support, amounting to more than $9 million, will provide essential child protection, nutrition and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene services, to vulnerable children and families.

With the support of the Government of Japan, UNICEF will carry out two programmes. The first one, valued at $8,5 million, aims to reach approximately 470,000 vulnerable children and their families in the Gaza Strip with child protection services, in addition to expand the access to vital nutrition services for more than 300,000 children and 155,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women. Furthermore, 200,000 people in the Gaza Strip will benefit from WASH supplies under this grant. The second programme, with a support of $950,000, will focus on providing essential integrated child protection and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS) in both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, reaching over 25,000 vulnerable children, caregivers, and their families.

"We are deeply grateful for the generous support of the Government of Japan, enabling UNICEF to implement two vital programmes in the Gaza Strip and West Bank. Through this partnership, hundreds of thousands of vulnerable children and families in the State of Palestine will benefit from UNICEF's provision of essential child protection, nutrition, and WASH services. These efforts directly address urgent humanitarian needs and making a tangible difference in the lives of the children.”  said UNICEF Special Representative, Lucia Elmi.

Both grants will play a crucial role in reaching vulnerable populations in the Gaza Strip where the WASH infrastructure was heavily impacted, where more than one million children are in need of MHPSS services and where over 90% of children 6-23 months of age, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers are confronted with severe food poverty, with limited access to nutritious food and high rates of disease. These efforts aim to address immediate humanitarian needs, contributing significantly to advance towards the Sustainable Development Goals 2 (Zero Hunger), 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), and 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).

H.E. Mr. NAKASHIMA Yoichi, Ambassador for Palestinian Affairs and Representative of Japan to Palestine, said, "Amidst the ongoing crisis in Gaza, which has caused immense suffering and displacement, Japan remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting Palestinian children and alleviating their suffering by delivering crucial child protection, nutrition, and WASH services." He further emphasized, "Our enduring partnership with UNICEF spans many years, signifying a mutual dedication to enhancing the well-being of children. This collaboration underscores our joint resolve to address pressing humanitarian needs and secure a more promising future for all."