What does UNICEF do and what does UNICEF stand for?
For more than 60 years, UNICEF has been the world's leading international children's organization, working in more than 150 countries to address the ongoing issues that affect why kids are dying. UNICEF provides lifesaving nutrition, clean water, education, protection and emergency response saving more young lives than any other humanitarian organization in the world. While millions of children continue to die every year of preventable causes like dehydration, upper respiratory infections and measles, UNICEF, with the support of partnering organizations and donors alike, has the global experience, resources and reach to give children the best hope of survival.
When UNICEF was created in 1946, to help the children of war-torn Europe, China and the Middle East, the acronym stood for "United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund. But by 1953, UNICEF's mandate was extended to address the needs of children in the developing world. At that point, the words "international" and "emergency" were dropped from the organization's name, making it simply the United Nations Children's Fund.
To stay informed about UNICEF's lifesaving programs, sign-up for Youth Action eNews at www.unicefusa.org/trickortreat or visit volunteers.unicefusa.org and you'll be part of a network of thousands of caring people just like you who want to save children's lives.
