UNICEF Launches $9.9 Bln Appeal to Aid Children in Crisis

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has issued a global appeal for $9.9 billion to address the urgent needs of millions of children affected by conflicts and crises worldwide in 2025.

This comes as the humanitarian needs of children reach unprecedented levels, according to a statement released by the organization.

Catherine Russell, UNICEF’s Executive Director, highlighted the scale of the crisis, stating that the number of children requiring humanitarian assistance has surged to record levels.

UNICEF estimates that 213 million children across 146 countries and regions will need aid in 2025, marking an immense humanitarian challenge.

Despite the ambitious appeal, the $9.9 billion target will only partially meet the growing needs. The funding is expected to provide assistance to 109 million children, focusing on essential areas such as primary healthcare, access to clean drinking water, education, nutrition monitoring, psychological support, and protection against gender-based violence.

UNICEF has earmarked over $1 billion of the funds specifically for Afghanistan, making it the largest recipient of this appeal. Other priority countries include Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Palestinian territories, and Lebanon.

In a parallel appeal, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has requested $1.4 billion to assist 45 million women and girls across 57 countries in 2025.

The agency is particularly focused on providing maternal and reproductive health services, including deploying midwives to areas where pregnant women lack adequate care.

UNFPA emphasized the urgency of its mission, noting that 11 million women are expected to give birth in 2025 in conflict zones or disaster-stricken areas, often under life-threatening conditions.

Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of UNFPA, underscored the critical importance of ensuring women’s safety and access to essential services, even in the most challenging circumstances.