UNICEF

UNICEF announced its 2026 Education Strategy, "Shaping the Future of Learning," amid a global learning crisis that threatens to derail the Sustainable Development Goal 4 target within the next five years. The new strategy builds on the 2019‑2030 framework and outlines a clear vision for accelerating learning, equity, and skills development for every child and adolescent worldwide. It calls for stronger systems and a reimagining of how, where, and when children learn, acknowledging that education models designed for earlier eras may not prepare children for the rapid technological, social, and environmental changes ahead. The strategy clarifies priorities, establishes an operating model, and identifies partnerships needed to drive impact. It also serves as a roadmap for implementing UNICEF’s Strategic Plan 2026‑2029, guiding countries to transform education systems at scale.

The humanitarian situation in South Sudan remains dire, with conflict, displacement, food insecurity, and climate shocks affecting vulnerable populations. According to the latest UNICEF report, between January and July 2026, 444,556 people were newly displaced, and over 13,400 refugees and returnees arrived in the country. Cholera cases have declined, but the disease remains the largest public health emergency, with 109,908 cumulative cases and 1,720 deaths reported by the end of July. Mpox, measles, and cVDPV1 outbreaks continue to strain health services. Acute malnutrition and access constraints are major concerns, with critical malnutrition levels in parts of Jonglei, Upper Nile, and Unity. Humanitarian access incidents have increased by 51% compared to the same period in 2025. Funding shortfalls continue to constrain the response, with the 2026 Humanitarian Appeal only 44% funded. WASH and education sectors remain underfunded, leaving critical gaps in service delivery.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has prequalified a new malaria vaccine for children, known as RTS,S. This vaccine has been developed by GlaxoSmithKline and has undergone rigorous testing. According to the WHO, the vaccine has shown a significant reduction in severe malaria cases and hospitalizations in young children. The prequalification process involves a thorough evaluation of the vaccine's safety, efficacy, and quality. The WHO's approval is a crucial step towards making the vaccine available in low- and middle-income countries. The vaccine will be distributed through the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the WHO's Expanded Programme on Immunization. The first shipments are expected to arrive in the coming months.

UNICEF’s latest analysis shows that more than 171 million learners worldwide—about one in ten—had their schooling interrupted by climate events in 2025. Storms were the leading cause, affecting 109 million students, followed by floods (70 million) and heat waves (50 million). Forty countries recorded multiple disruptions, with Pakistan’s monsoon floods delaying the start of the school year for 28 million pupils and Egypt’s 2025 Khamsin sandstorm suspending classes nationwide for a day, also impacting 28 million children. In Madagascar, 280 000 students were hit by a series of droughts, cyclones and floods, while Spain’s Valencian community saw 500 000 pupils affected by storms and a post‑tropical cyclone. The report warns that such interruptions raise dropout rates—especially for girls who face added household burdens—and could cost U. S. workers at least $200 billion in lifetime earnings. UNICEF urges governments to strengthen climate resilience in schools, increase funding, and embed climate education to safeguard learning continuity.

The Republic of Congo is confronting a dual public‑health crisis. An active cholera outbreak now spans 11 health districts in six departments, with 1,707 confirmed cases and 131 deaths. While the epidemic has receded in some areas, new hotspots are emerging, especially in riverine and hard‑to‑reach districts, and heavy rainfall could worsen transmission and limit access to care. No Ebola cases have yet been reported in the country, but the risk of importation from the Democratic Republic of the Congo remains high because of intense cross‑border population movements and river transport links. UNICEF is bolstering the government’s response with strengthened surveillance, rapid‑response teams, infection‑prevention measures, WASH interventions, community engagement, and risk communication. Preparations for a large‑scale oral cholera vaccination campaign are underway, and border‑area preparedness is being scaled up to mitigate the Ebola threat.

UNICEF, together with other stakeholders, has urged Nigerian media outlets to track how the government allocates and spends funds earmarked for children. The call focuses on ensuring that budgetary allocations translate into tangible improvements in education, healthcare and nutrition for children across the country. By monitoring budget releases, expenditures and program outcomes, media can hold authorities accountable and spotlight gaps between promised spending and actual delivery. The initiative aims to create a transparent fiscal environment where child welfare investments are visible and measurable, encouraging responsible use of public resources.

A new report by the UNICEF estimates that 20 million children aged 12-17 in 21 countries have been victims of online sexual exploitation or abuse in the past year. The report, titled 'At the Height of a Child: How Digital Technologies Facilitate Sexual Abuse Against Children,' found that over 60% of cases occurred on public social media platforms, and less than 1% of cases were reported to authorities. The report highlights the need for urgent action from governments, tech companies, and other stakeholders to better protect children in digital environments.

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has highlighted the significant gains made in reducing under-five deaths over the past two decades. However, these achievements are now at risk due to aid cuts, rising debt burdens, and inadequate domestic budgets. The Child Survival Dividend report emphasizes the importance of protecting the systems that delivered these gains, citing the economic, security, and moral benefits of investing in child survival. The report shows that sustained investment in immunization, nutrition, health systems, and water, sanitation, and hygiene can lead to stronger economies, reduced security risks, and greater resilience against future threats. UNICEF is working with countries and partners to accelerate the achievement of global targets on ending preventable deaths among children, providing guidance on proven solutions and serving as the operational framework for delivering against the Strategic Plan.

During epidemiological week 34, Cameroon’s cholera outbreak grew to 10 laboratory‑confirmed districts, adding Maroua II and Mokolo to the previously affected Mada, Makary, Kousseri, Fotokol, Kolofata, Mora, Maroua I, and Maroua III. Mozogo and Gazawa remain suspected. The spread is concentrated in the Far North Region, where children and adolescents bear the greatest burden, with a median age of 12 years and cases ranging from 3 months to 87 years. UNICEF continues to support the government‑led response across health, WASH, social and behavior change, accountability, child protection, youth participation, nutrition, and coordination efforts.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has published a preliminary information sheet on the SMART 2026 results for Haiti. The document cites the Government of Haiti, the Nutrition Cluster, and UNICEF as its sources. The preliminary findings are contained in an attached file, which stakeholders are encouraged to review for detailed data and insights. The release marks the first public disclosure of the SMART 2026 assessment outcomes for the country.