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Humanitarian Action for Children 2017 - Zika Global Response

Attachments

Total people to be reached in 2017: 200 million

2017 programme targets

Detection

  • At least two rapid diagnostic tests available for global use

Prevention

  • 200 million people in Latin America and the Caribbean reached with key messages on prevention
  • Up to two candidate vaccines available

Care and support

  • A model of integrated and holistic care and support for children with congenital Zika disorders developed

Preparedness

  • Zika response and preparedness plans developed in at least four regions (West and Central Africa; Eastern and Southern Africa; East Asia and the Pacific; and South Asia)

Affecting at least 75 countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia, the Zika virus outbreak continues to threaten the well-being of women and children while causing congenital and neurological conditions in newborns. More than 2,250 cases3 of microcephaly have already been reported in 28 countries and additional countries are expected to report cases of microcephaly and other congenital malformations in 2017. The Zika outbreak has the potential to spread in all areas where the Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are found and will disproportionately affect poor, marginalized and urban populations. While the full spectrum of neurological disorders and congenital complications attributable to the Zika virus is yet to be fully understood, UNICEF anticipates that it will have a long-lasting and multi-dimensional impact on children and their families socially, economically and psychologically. Climate change, weather phenomena (e.g. La Niña) and natural disasters may aggravate the situation in 2017.