UNICEF and Japan are partnering to provide relief for children in drought stricken provinces in Viet Nam

"Japan's contribution is critical for UNICEF to be able to deliver life-saving interventions for vulnerable population who are the most exposed to the adverse effects of climate change", said Youssouf Abdel-Jelil, UNICEF Representative in Viet Nam. "In addition to providing immediate relief, Japan's support will also address the recovery component looking at strengthening institutional capacities to maintain systems that will withstand future shocks, aiming to strengthen the humanitarian and development nexus."

So far, UNICEF has committed an envelope of US$ 100,000 to kick start the emergency response. The interventions include procuring nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene supplies, training commune health workers and support communication for development activities.

At least 2 million people, including 520,000 children and 1 million women, are currently experiencing acute water shortage and require humanitarian assistance. With drying water wells and ponds, the increasing lack of safe drinking water has impacted on children's health, increasing the incidence of diarrhea and exacerbating the prevalence of malnutrition.

In March 2016, the Government of Viet Nam has declared an emergency as 52 of its 63 provinces are suffering from the most severe saline intrusion and drought in more than 60 years linked to the impact of the 2015/16 El Niño phenomenon. The Mekong Delta, South Central and Central Highland regions are the most affect by salt intrusion and water scarcity.

Viet Nam remains one of the most disaster prone countries in the world. The Government of Viet Nam, the United Nations and partners have appealed to the international community to support a US$ 48.5 million emergency plan to respond to the worsening humanitarian situation.