UNICEF

1 billion. That’s the number of doses of polio vaccines UNICEF procures and delivers around the world every year. Ending polio and helping children survive and thrive means making sure they have access to vaccines and are protected against preventable diseases. We have the knowledge and tools to #EndPolio forever. Now, more than ever, we must invest to realize every child’s right to health. unicef.link/4yyG4HT #WorldPolioDay

Afghanistan is one of two countries where wild polio continues to circulate. Afifa, Mursal, Parasto and community mobilizers and vaccinators like them are on a mission to change that. Through their determination, 12.7 million children have been vaccinated against the disease. “Our work has not yet finished, our work still continues until we eradicate polio,” says Afifa. #WordPolioDay

“For children in Sudan, even the most ordinary parts of daily life are becoming increasingly dangerous. Children should be able to go to a market, attend school or seek health care without risking their lives."

Rital, 3, was injured in an attack in July 2026 in Gaza that also killed her mother and grandfather. Her father was killed earlier in the war. Now she calls Nisreen, her grandmother, ‘mum’. A ceasefire that does not protect children has failed them. Children in Gaza must be protected as a priority.

Recent escalations in Yemen have left about 110,000 children displaced. Watch as 11-year-old Aisha, 8-year-old Mazen and 13-year-old Hamoud share their terrifying experiences, what they miss about their lives and what they hope for. UNICEF is on the ground supporting children’s needs, but what they actually need is peace.

In Chad, the lack of water and essential services in refugee camps puts children at risk of contracting polio. Mamouna, a UNICEF-supported vaccinator, visits families and ensures their children receive life-saving immunization – bringing relief to mothers like Nannoya. “If children are vaccinated, they won’t suffer from certain illnesses,” she says. #WorldPolioDay

Meet the girl leaders shaping a more equal future.  UNICEF’s 2026-2027 Global Girl Leaders Advisory Group will advise, advocate and take action for adolescent girls’ rights, empowerment and leadership.  Welcome to the newest members.  #GirlGoals  unicef.link/4yvgKSS

“We are the generation that can end polio.” Fy, a UNICEF Youth Advocate, joins Mendrika and Béatrice – a vaccinator and a community mobilizer – as they set out to protect children from polio in Madagascar. Watch to learn how they work to reach every child with life-saving vaccines. #WorldPolioDay

"While the international community has built a strong framework to protect children in war, the reality for children living through conflict is increasingly dangerous." Read @unicefchief's full remarks to the @UN Security Council below.

“It’s very hard not having my mother,” says Sahara, 16, who lost her mom in Nepal’s devastating floods two months ago. Children like her in Nepal are paying for a climate crisis they did little to create. Watch the video to see how communities are coming together to help each other, with UNICEF’s support. Stand with the children of Nepal. Donate now: unicef.link/3Up3Tn1

How did this father decide to vaccinate his children? In Yemen, sensitization efforts and reassuring words from health workers and community mobilizers are encouraging parents like Wagdan to make the right call. “The community mobilization team helped me realize that vaccinating my children is essential,” he says. #WorldPolioDay

A polio-free world for every child is possible. This #WorldPolioDay, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Angélique Kidjo calls on governments and donors to sustain commitment and funding to end polio and protect children’s right to health. Learn more: unicef.link/4yyG4HT

15-year-old Marium dreams of becoming a doctor. But first, she needs the chance to learn. In Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, Rohingya refugee girls face barriers to education and the risk of child marriage. At the same time, children and families in the host communities also need support to access education and other essential services. Hear from UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell how UNICEF and partners are supporting children like Marium to stay in school and build a brighter future. #GirlGoals

“Gaza’s children are trying to recover their childhoods, to find some routine and stability in their young lives, which for too many have again been cut short. A ceasefire that does not protect children has failed them.” - @UNICEFmena's Edouard Beigbeder Full statement: unicef.link/4iajOOi

Nearly one in two girls in Bangladesh is married before 18. During her visit to Dhaka and Cox’s Bazar, @unicefchief called for greater investment in children, from ending child marriage to protecting education for Rohingya refugee children. Read more: unicef.link/3UdMD4i

“I know my rights and I will work to reach my goals.”  Here’s how 13-year-old Duretti* (name changed) from Ethiopia stood up against child marriage and returned to school to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor. #GirlGoals   unicef.link/3SuAnfb

Amid the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo, the role of UNICEF-supported community health workers like Thomas can be life-saving. Hear from him and UNICEF’s @LelmiU how timely and accurate information about the disease and its prevention measures is helping keep children and their families safe.

Across Sudan, children continue to face deadly violence after more than three years of conflict. UNICEF calls on all parties to the conflict to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure. Children must be protected wherever they are, at all times.  Details: unicef.link/4yulKaA

"In Taiz, Yemen, escalating fighting and fuel shortages are threatening UNICEF water systems serving an estimated three million people, at least 1.6 million of them children." Full remarks from @UNICEF_Yemen's Akhil Iyer below. unicef.org/press-releases/wa…