Emergency vaccination targets 90,000 children in West Sumatra quake zones

Measles vaccination in emergencies has proven to be extremely effective to prevent outbreaks and cause further deaths after a natural disaster. Those deaths are an inexcusable waste of young lives when we have the solution. More than half of some 90 health centres in four quake-stricken districts reported heavy to light damages which has affected their cold chain system. Essential equipment at the village health centres such as refrigerators and cool boxes that help prevent vaccine spoilage are not working or could not be accessed because of rubble.  This means vaccines needed to be transported directly from the provincial and district health offices to the villages, raising operational costs. UNICEF is also stepping in to help fund gaps here and to ensure that the vaccines get to the children. More

Breastfeeding is always best, particularly in emergencies

In the first hours, days and weeks following the earthquake on 30 September, UNICEF Indonesia engaged in an intensive campaign to encourage mothers to continue to breast feed their infants. In an emergency situation, it is almost always most beneficial for infants to continue to be breast-fed rather than to receive breast milk substitutes. More
 

UNICEF to supports children’s recovery in Indonesia’s West Sumatra quake zone

By creating child friendly spaces, apart from the social worker and teacher networks, UNICEF also support tents, and psychosocial kits complete with education toys, books and games. Nine children centres have already been established in Pariaman and three other districts affected by the quake. In the child-friendly spaces, children will be able to join together in group activities such as playing games, singing, dancing and painting. More

UNICEF Delivers A Life-Saving Wedding Gift in the Aftermath of Indonesia’s Earthquake

First, on 30 September, an earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter-scale destroyed most of the houses at the small hamlet nestled in the mountainous surroundings of Maninjau Lake.  Then, an aftershock caused the limestone cliffs to cave in. Later, several nights of torrential rain triggered a landslide burying the remaining rubble in a deluge of mud. More