Opinion: In my view - Children of the cyclone

We are distributing life-saving supplies including safe drinking water, food, essential drugs and health kits, as well as other emergency supplies such as blankets, plastic sheeting and cooking sets.

Lack of access to clean water, poor sanitation, inadequate shelter and poor nutrition pose particular threats to children. Diarrhoeal diseases, measles and malaria are the greatest threat to children's lives, especially when linked with under-nutrition. In a post-natural disaster environment, measles is rapidly contagious and can result in high mortality rates.

UNICEF is also concerned about the emotional distress of children caught up in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis. It is working on identifying separated and unaccompanied children, and reunifying them with their families. In any situation where children are living under extremely stressful conditions, both physically and mentally, it is important for their welfare that they are provided with 'child-friendly spaces' where they feel safe and cared for and where they can begin to rebuild their lives. UNICEF has started setting up child-friendly spaces in the camps housing displaced populations.