In parallel with the conference in Geneva, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) highlighted the continuing human cost of the emergency in Pakistan.
In a statement, the organization said that “up to four million children are still living near stagnant and polluted flood waters, putting their lives and well-being at risk.”
UNICEF noted a “sharp rise” in cases of acute respiratory infection in flood-affected areas, while the number of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition in the same areas almost doubled between July and December last year, compared to 2018. 2021, making about 1.5 million adolescents in need of vital nutrition interventions.
UNICEF called on the international community to urgently provide additional humanitarian aid, and to ensure that the necessary funding is provided in a timely manner to save lives “before it is too late.” The organization urged countries to prioritize children’s immediate and long-term needs, including health care, nutrition, learning, protection, hygiene and sanitation services.
