The Government of Japan and UNICEF have signed a grant agreement, which will provide support to strengthen the Pacific
region’s COVID-19 response and help protect children from any impacts of this global pandemic.
The Government of Japan contribution of USD2 million will support UNICEF’s efforts in strengthening community
engagement, provision of critical medical and water, sanitation and hygiene supplies, health care, education - including
early childhood - and child protection services as well as research on the impact of this global crisis on women and
children.
With this funding support, UNICEF will work closely with Pacific Island governments, including the Cook Islands,
Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau,
Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, to improve essential services and engage with communities to prevent and respond to COVID-19.
“Combating a global pandemic like COVID-19 cannot be achieved alone. We thank the Government of Japan for this support
and together with governments, partners and communities, we will ensure that emergency resources and services reach
those Pacific families, including more than one million children in the Pacific, to both prevent and respond to this
deadly virus,” said UNICEF Pacific Representative, Sheldon Yett.
UNICEF is currently working with Pacific Island governments, communities and partners to ensure that essential support
is provided, and resources are available to protect communities, including children, against the threat of COVID-19 in
the region. The assistance from this grant will be delivered to Pacific Island countries according to their specific
preparedness and response needs.
Notes to Editors:About UNICEF:
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across 190
countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.
For more information about UNICEF Pacific and its work for children, follow UNICEF Pacific on Twitter and Facebook