UNICEF marks 3 years of support after Wenchuan Earthquake

BEIJING, 12 May 2011 – Three years ago, on 12 May 2008, a massive 8.0-magnitude earthquake struck China's southwestern Sichuan Province. The earthquake affected the lives of millions of people, killing 88,000, injuring 400,000 and leaving 5 million homeless.

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In the three years since the earthquake, UNICEF has, in collaboration with Chinese government partners and local communities, made an important and lasting contribution to recovery and to the lives of hundreds of thousands of children and their families.

Today, life in the affected communities has resumed, and rebirth, reconstruction and renewed hope have come to replace death, destruction and despair. “UNICEF would like to recognize the courage of communities, the dedication of partners and the generosity of donors over the last three years. It is because of this courage, dedication and generosity that children, women and communities in the Sichuan earthquake zone and around China are today more resilient and better protected than they were three years ago,” said Gillian Mellsop, UNICEF Representative to China.

Immediately after the earthquake, the Government of China led a remarkable disaster response and relief programme. The magnitude of the earthquake also triggered, for the first time in recent history, a request by the Government of China for international assistance.

UNICEF responded in the emergency relief phase by providing emergency health kits and medical supplies, classroom tents and basic educational supplies, and water treatment units and hygiene kits. UNICEF also worked with government partners to provide psychosocial support and contribute to the development of China's post-earthquake reconstruction strategy. In the reconstruction period, UNICEF continued to support the government's response, working to build capacity and improve systems and services for children. 

Over the last three years, UNICEF has provided nearly US$ 42 million in support to earthquake recovery and reconstruction. Critically, many of the new concepts and programmes introduced over the last three years with UNICEF support have reached pockets of children previously affected by deep poverty. UNICEF also helped to influence local and national policy, with implications for children and women in the earthquake zone, as well as throughout the country.

The capacity of maternal and child health workers, school teachers and principals, and water and sanitation technicians in the earthquake zone is now greater than it was before the emergency. Attitudes and behaviours regarding infant and young child nutrition, hygiene and early development have improved. Strong community ownership has been formed around newly constructed water and sanitation facilities and UNICEF-supported Child Friendly Spaces. Newly developed disaster preparedness and response plans and policies better reflect the needs of children and women.

Strengthened by the experiences gained over the last three years, UNICEF stands ready to respond quickly and effectively in future emergencies. UNICEF will continue its work with partners to protect and promote the rights and well-being of the most vulnerable children and women in China.