UNICEF's Response to Tropical Cyclones Vania & Atu Vanuatu

At the start of the year in 2011 two tropical cyclones of category two and four strength passed through the southernmost province of Vanuatu, TAFEA province. The extent of damage caused by the cyclones consist of 1) widespread damage to subsistence food and cash crops that could cause serious food and income shortages expected to last for three to seven months, 2) poor water, sanitation and hygiene conditions and damage to water infrastructure 3) widespread gastro and respiratory health issues with limited access to medications and limited monitoring of health cases which were likely to worsen, 4) damage to traditional- housing.

This study evaluates the effectiveness of UNICEF’s response in support to the government of Vanuatu in responding to the needs of the people and children of TAFEA affected by TC Vania and TC Atu following a six month period. The evaluation will also help to gage the overall impact of the cyclone on the well-being of children in the context of UNICEF’s ‘convergence programming’ in TAFEA, in areas of Health & Sanitation, Education, HIV/ AIDS and Child Protection.