UNICEF just received some new photos from the Pacific Islands that we wanted to share with you. Kiribati, where the photos below were taken, is one of 14 Pacific Island countries, which spread across 12 million square miles in the Pacific Ocean.
Because the population lives on so many small islands, and because the area is vulnerable to natural disasters like typhoons and volcanoes, this region has some unique challenges when it comes to reaching its children. UNICEF is working across all the islands to bring medical services, vaccines, clean water, and education to the children of the Pacific Islands.
© UNICEF/ HQ06-2470/Giacomo Pirozzi
Above, Kavarerei holds his six-month-old baby brother, Naonao, in front of their home in Tarawa, the capital of Kiribati. Their father died and they live with their mother and four siblings.
© UNICEF/ HQ06-2474/Giacomo Pirozzi
A health worker administers Vitamin A drops to a child at Bairiki Health Center in Tarawa. The UNICEF-supported clinic offers antenatal care, growth monitoring, vaccination, Vitamin A distribution, iron supplementation for pregnant women and other health services.
© UNICEF/ HQ06-2477/Giacomo Pirozzi
A health worker weighs Eretite, 20, during an antenatal exam at Bairiki Health Center.
© UNICEF/ HQ06-2471/Giacomo Pirozzi
Kora Kora, 7, fetches water from a well. Her father died and she lives with her mother and five siblings.
©UNICEF/ HQ06-2463/Giacomo Pirozzi
Kaiea, 9, holds up a completed mathematics assignment at his primary school in Tarawa.
© UNICEF/ HQ06-2459/Giacomo Pirozzi
Rosemary, 9, writes on a blackboard in her primary school classroom.