The Ministry of Health and Social Development is teaming up with the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) to ensure that the needs of children are prioritised during emergencies.

The campaign dubbed “Protecting Children in Emergencies” was launched in July and will be led by the Social Development Department to ensure that key messages such as ‘Be Ready’ and ‘Every Child Matters’ will be circulated throughout the Virgin Islands. These messages will take various formats to educate parents, guardians and educators on best practices to protect children before, during and after emergencies.

Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development Ms. Tasha Bertie stated that the campaign will be funded with the assistance of UNICEF. She explained that the objectives include educating parents on child protection procedures during emergencies, training for educators and increased awareness of the different types of emergencies and how best to be prepared.

Messages associated with the campaign will heighten during November 2019 as the Territory continues to take pre-caution in the hurricane season.

“The plan is to continue to educate persons on the different types of emergencies and not just focus on hurricanes. We also experience floods and earthquakes and we want to do our best to ensure that children’s safety remains a priority in any emergency,” Ms. Bertie said.

The campaign will build on partnerships with private and public schools across the Territory. Promotional tools and information will also be displayed on traditional and social media in partnership with the Department of Disaster Management. For more information on the Children in Emergencies campaign, interested persons can telephone 468-2282 or 468-3650.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development aspires to provide a caring and integrated system of health and social services that facilitates the recovery of human development and quality of life in the British Virgin Islands.

Note: Photographs are attached.

Photo Caption 1 of 3: Protecting Children in Emergencies Facebook Banner. (GIS)

Photo Caption 2 of 3: Photograph of Team Leader of Family Children and Protective Services, Laurel Freeman and actors during a video shoot for Trauma Coping Tips for Children. (Photo Credit: Franklyn Skerrit/GIS)

Photo Caption 3 of 3: Deputy Secretary Tasha Bertie on the ‘Be Ready’ Video circulating on the Ministry of Health Facebook Page. (Photo Credit: Adrianna Soverall/GIS)