RESPONSE HIGHLIGHTS
UNICEF is entering the second phase of its response, taking action in 21 countries at both community and policy level, with a clearly defined aim to control the spread of Zika and mitigate its impact. Whilst continuing work on preventing the spread of Zika, UNICEF has a clear mandate to lead on the non-clinical Care & Support component of the response due to the sharp increase in the number of countries reporting children being born with microcephaly linked to Zika virus. UNICEF works to ensure integrated, multi-sectoral and community-based support for children and families affected by Zika, whilst also working to reduce stigma and promote inclusion.
At a global level UNICEF continues to drive the development of diagnostics tools and vaccines to prevent its transmission. In the past month there have been developments with regards to possible vaccines, but these will still not be available until the end of 2017 at the earliest. Closer collaboration and coordination with UNICEF HQ in New York, to bolster and strengthen actions and activity at global, regional and country level, whilst coordination with state and non-state actors continues to ensure a fully inter-sectoral approach to the Zika response. Women of child bearing age, pregnant women and their partners, as well as adolescents are the primary target audiences for UNICEF’s communication strategies (mass media and communication for development (C4D) activity). 157 million people have now been reached with preventive messages.