Europe and Central Asia

Life changes around pregnancy make women more vulnerable to mental illness including depression and anxiety. In Kazakhstan, nearly 60 per cent of mothers experience postpartum depression, among the highest rates recorded globally. Diana Madyraimova is a 35-year-old mother of three from Taraz, Kazakhstan who experienced postpartum anxiety and…

Geneva / New York / Seattle, 24 April 2024 – A major landmark study to be published by The Lancet reveals that global immunization efforts have saved an estimated 154 million lives – or the equivalent of 6 lives every minute of every year – over the past 50 years. The vast majority of lives saved – 101 million – were those of infants. The study,…

Vaccines are one of humanity's greatest achievement. In the last 50 years alone, they’ve saved nearly 154 million lives – that’s more than 3 million lives a year or six people every minute for five decades. WHO recommends 13 universal immunizations across the life course to defend against deadly illnesses, from pneumonia to diphtheria to measles…

Copenhagen, Geneva, Brussels, 22 April 2024 – The establishment of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) 50 years ago was a pivotal moment in the history of public health and has saved millions of lives globally every year. In 1974, only 5% of the world’s children had been vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. Today, that…

GENEVA, 14 December 2023 – There have been 30,601 confirmed cases of measles in Europe and Central Asia between January and 5 December 2023, up from 909 throughout 2022, marking a 3266 per cent increase in cases of the vaccine-preventable disease, warns UNICEF. Data also point to a more recent worsening trend as the rate of measles cases in Europe…

The world has made tremendous progress against polio in the past three decades, vaccinating over 2.5 billion children and reducing cases by 99 percent. But this progress is fragile, and we cannot afford to lose focus. Millions of children are still missing out on routine vaccinations because of pandemic disruptions, conflict, climate disasters and…, On the ground, Six-year-old Mykhailyk during his vaccination medical examination, conducted by the nurses at the clinic. Six-year-old Mykhailyk’s parents bring him for two comprehensive vaccinations – a booster dose of diphtheria, tetanus and polio, and MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella). It takes just a few minutes for the doctor to examine him, and then seconds…

Children’s health and survival rely on timely access to strong, resilient and inclusive health systems. In recent years large strides have been made in health outcomes, particularly for children, adolescents and women across Central Asia. Innovations in primary health care across the region aim at bettering the quality of and access to health care…, Advancing primary health care in Central Asia, A girl listens to her Vaccination Nurse UNICEF/UN0681566/Babajanyan VII Photo A nurse on a home visit in Kazakhstan. UNICEF/2023/AizhanBaiskakova Natural disasters and other emergencies in Kazakhstan have heightened the vulnerability of families with children in crisis situations. To address this, UNICEF is supporting the development of a…

One of the cheapest, easiest, and most important ways you can keep your child safe from disease is to get them to wash their hands frequently. Here are some tips on how to turn handwashing into a healthy habit for life:  , 1. Explain the benefits of handwashing, Let your child know that washing hands can keep them safe from bacteria and viruses that can make them and others around them sick. Teach them about how even though germs are invisible, they could still be there. Explain to them that regular handwashing is as important as brushing your teeth or eating a healthy meal.  , 2. Demonstrate the correct steps of handwashing, Explain that to eliminate all traces of infection-causing bacteria on your hands, a quick scrub and rinse isn’t enough. Here’s a step-by-step guide for effective handwashing: Step 1: Wet hands with running water Step 2: Apply enough soap to cover wet hands Step 3: Scrub all surfaces of the hands – including back of hands, between fingers and under…, 3. How long should you wash hands?, Hands should be washed with soap for at least 20-30 seconds. An easy way to time this is by singing the full “happy birthday” song, twice. The same goes if using hand sanitizer: Use a sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol and rub it into your hands for at least 20 seconds to ensure full coverage. Remember: hand sanitizer can be toxic if…, 4. Set the times they should be washing their hands, Your child should wash their hands frequently throughout the day. Here are some of the times you should always wash your hands: When hands are visibly dirty  Before and after eating After using the toilet After touching animals and pets After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing  , 5. Turn it into a fun family activity, Here are some ways you can help children wash their hands by making handwashing easier and fun for them:, Did you know?, 1. Is warm or cold water better?, You can use any temperature of water to wash your hands. Cold water and warm water are equally effective at killing germs and viruses – as long as you use soap!  , 2. Is drying hands important?, Germs spread more easily from wet skin than from dry skin, so drying your hands completely is an important step. Paper towels or clean cloths are the most effective way to remove germs without spreading them to other surfaces.  , 3. Soap and water or hand sanitizer – which is better?, In general, both handwashing with soap and water and hand sanitizer, when done correctly, are highly effective at killing most germs and pathogens. But if your hands look dirty, you should wash them with soap and water. Although hand sanitizer is often more convenient when you are outside of the home, it is less effective on visibly dirty hands.…

Children are uniquely vulnerable to air pollution, with devastating effects on their health and development. Scientific evidence shows air pollution contributes to adverse birth outcomes including preterm births and low birth weights, infant mortality,  damaged lung function, illness and diseases including asthma, cardiovascular disease and cancer…, PM10 is roughly one-seventh the diameter of a human hair. It consists of sulfate, nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride, and black carbon; it may also include concentrations of natural windblown dust. PM10 is harmful to health because it can block and inflame nasal and bronchial passages, causing a variety of respiratory-related conditions that lead…, Case Study: UNICEF’s work on cleaner air for children in Kyrgyzstan, In Kyrgyzstan, air pollution is the single biggest environmental risk factor for premature death and ill-health, with young children among the most affected. In Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan a UNICEF study found that residents are exposed to annual average concentrations that range from moderately elevated to far more than concentrations known to cause…, Recommendations to governments across Europe and Central Asia , UNICEF calls on governments and institutions in countries across the region to devote greater attention and resources to prevent worsening air pollution, support energy efficiency and access to clean energy, support cleaner air measures and protect children from exposure. Particular attention must be paid to addressing the magnified health risks…, Walk the talk, Ensure air quality standards are in line with WHO guidelines. Support access to clean energy and the use of cleaner fuels and reduce the dependency on the use of fossil fuels. Promote energy efficiency including expanding district heating, revision of existing building standards for public facilities (schools, kindergarten and hospitals) for…, Focus on child-sensitive interventions, Ensure pollution free zones near schools, kindergartens, and health facilities. Set up and maintain air quality monitoring systems nearby kindergartens and schools, and report information to the public and noting levels of air pollution that are dangerous to children and pregnant women. Train health providers and professionals to assess child…, Raise awareness and advocate, Raise awareness of air pollution and its impact on child health Collect disaggregated data on the effects and sources of air pollution, with a specific focus on research and recognition for pregnant women, infants and children.  Advocate for air pollution and its impacts on children to be considered in national climate and environmental policies,…, Breathless beginnings: the alarming impact of air pollution on children in Europe and Central Asia Breathless beginnings: the alarming impact of air pollution on children in Europe and Central Asia P O L I C Y B R I E F 05.09.23 Air pollution is a major environmental health risk for children. In 2019, 5,801 children and teenagers in 52 countries…

Heat waves are anything but fun in the sun. Extreme heat and humidity can be extremely uncomfortable and pose serious health risks, especially for infants, children, pregnant women and the elderly. Without taking the proper precautions, extreme heat can lead to heat stroke and even worse, fatality. As a result of climate change, heat waves are…, Heat wave facts, Heatwave facts: A girl stands under the hot sun What is a heat wave?  Heat waves happen when the temperature is higher than normal for several days in a row. Humidity can cause it to feel much hotter. What causes a heat wave?  Heat waves result from warm air being trapped in the atmosphere and are a natural weather phenomenon. Heat waves are…, What to do in a heat wave, How to prepare for a heatwave: A girl stands next to a fan Be prepared Know how hot and humid it is going to get today, this week and this month to help plan outside activities. Keep an emergency kit at home that contains oral rehydration salt (ORS) packets, a thermometer, water bottles, towels or cloths to wet for cooling, a handheld fan or…, Signs and symptoms of heat-related illness, How to recognize symptoms of heatstroke: A girl looks confused as a caregiver supports her Severe symptoms of heat stress require urgent care.  If a family member is presenting any of the severe symptoms below you should call for an ambulance or arrange for another form of transport to a health facility immediately. Trust your instincts and don’t…, Symptoms of heat-related illness, Milder symptoms - treat at home Severe symptoms – take to hospital immediately General Dry lips/sticky mouth Excessive thirst Excessive sweating Weakness /dizziness Nausea/vomiting Small blisters/rashes Heat rashes Mild fever Nosebleeds Cramps, usually in arms and legs Confusion/not responding clearly /seizures/coma/not waking up (MOST SEVERE)…, How to treat heatstroke and heat-related illnesses, How to treat heat related illness: A girl lies on the floor while a caregiver provides water Take the following steps to help your loved one cool, rehydrate and recover:, 1. Cool and rush to health facility if severe, If a family member is experiencing severe symptoms of heat-related illnesses, it is important to cool first and transport second.   Help the person sit or lie down in a cool shaded area with good ventilation. Close curtains to create more shade. Turn on a fan or air conditioner if available. Apply wet towels to the skin at head, neck, armpits and…, 2. Reduce temperature, Move the person into a cool area if not done so already. Close curtains to create more shade. Turn on a fan or air conditioner if available.    Apply wet towels or cool water to the body, particularly at head, neck, armpits and groin. Keep changing the towels or dipping them in cool water every few minutes to provide cool water for the body. If…, 3. Rehydrate, Infants under six months: Breastfeed to rehydrate the infant. Encourage mother to also drink more water, especially if breastfeeding.  Older infants and children: Given your infant or child water in small amounts to help them become used to it.  If the child has sweated a lot or is sweating a lot, add some Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS) to the water…

Heatwaves pose serious risks to children’s health and well-being. Despite the extensive risks children face from heatwaves and other climate hazards, public awareness, policy responses and financing are deeply inadequate. This policy brief outlines the severity of the problem and provides clear recommendations on how to protect children and their…, The ability to avoid, manage and build resilience to chronic heat exposure in the future will depend on decisions taken now. Urban design and infrastructure investment, socioeconomic inequality and climate change risks must be managed simultaneously. Residents of dense urban areas can be particularly susceptible to heatwaves. Communities with less…, How heatwaves affect children, Heat-related illnesses occur when exposure to high temperatures and humidity, which can be intensified by physical exertion, overwhelms the body’s ability to cool itself. Cases range from mild, like heat rashes in infants, to more serious, life-threatening outcomes like heatstroke, diagnosed once the body temperature rises above 40 degrees Celsius…, Recommendations to governments, 1. Incorporate heatwave mitigation and adaptation into policy, Incorporate heatwave mitigation and adaptation into National Determined Contributions (NDC), National Adaptation Plans (NAP), and Disaster Risk Reduction and disaster risk management policies, keeping children at the centre of all plans., 2. Invest in primary health care, Invest in primary health care to support prevention, early action, diagnosis, and treatment of heat-related illness among children. This includes training community health workers, teachers, early child development caregivers, midwives, nurses, and doctors., 3. Invest in national climate early warning systems, Invest in national climate early warning systems, carry out local environmental assessments, and support emergency preparedness and resilience building initiatives., 4. Adapt services to cope with the impacts of heatwaves, Adapt water, sanitation and hygiene, health, education, nutrition, social protection and child protection services to cope with the impacts of heatwaves., 5. Ensure adequate financing, Ensure adequate financing to fund interventions that protect children and their families from heatwaves., 6. Equip children with education and training, Equip children and young people with climate change education and green skills training. Science shows that increased temperatures are a result of climate change. UNICEF urges governments across Europe and Central Asia to reduce CO2 emissions to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and double adaptation funding by 2025. Heatwaves Any period…, Policy Brief Beat the heat: protecting children from heatwaves in Europe and Central Asia 2Beat the heat: protecting children from heatwaves in Europe and Central Asia OverviewHeatwaves pose serious risks to childrens health and well-being. Children exposed to heatwaves are prone to a multitude of health problems ranging from heat-stroke to…

Of every 10 babies born, 1 is preterm – and every 40 seconds, 1 of those babies dies. Preterm birth rates have not changed in the past decade in any region of the world. The impacts of conflict, climate change, COVID-19 are increasing risks for women and babies everywhere. Action is needed urgently to improve the prevention of preterm birth,…