As a United Nations Agency initiated in 1946 for providing humanitarian and developmental initiatives for children and mothers in developing countries, UNICEF celebrates its 75th birthday on Dec. 11.

United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) was initially created to provide emergency food and healthcare to children and mothers in countries that were devastated by World War II. The organization has, however, grown as a premier charity and has created a significant global impact by providing a wide range of humanitarian works.

Based on the organization's belief that "every child has the right to grow up in a safe and inclusive environment," the agency works on areas including providing free immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, and emergency relief.

Here are some interesting facts about UNICEF:

  1. UNICEF now works in more than 191 countries.
  2. The agency was awarded Nobel Peace Prize on Oct. 26, 1965.
  3. UNICEF is the organization that gathers vaccines for 40 % of children globally.
  4. The agency deals with a wide range of social issues including girls' education, HIV/AIDS, immunization, malaria, nutrition, South Sudan child soldiers, water, sanitization and hygiene.
  5. UNICEF is the largest buyer of mosquito nets which can be used to protect children from harmful insect bites.
  6. UNICEF provides free vaccinations to one in every three children worldwide.
UNICEF
UNICEF France is now accepting nine cryptocurrencies for donations. Here, a UNICEF logo is pictured outside their offices in Geneva, Switzerland, Jan. 30, 2017. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

Here are some quotes about UNICEF that help you understand the significance of the agency.

courtesy: Brainy Quotes

  1. "All children, regardless of their income, ethnicity, or geography have the right to be protected and be given the opportunity to reach their full potential, which is why our global HSNi Cares partner is the U.S. Fund for UNICEF."- Mindy Grossman
  2. "I can testify to what UNICEF means to children because I was among those who received food and medical relief right after World War II."Audrey Hepburn
  3. "I have been lucky to see first-hand the impact that UNICEF has had on children's lives and I am looking forward to continuing my work with the organization,"- Choi Si-won
  4. "Working with UNICEF made me grow up and recognize how fortunate I am."-Roger Moore
  5. "I've been a Goodwill Ambassador for the UNICEF and the UNICEF family for more than twelve years."-Danny Glover
  6. UNICEF is such a special organization, and to spread the word just makes me so happy."-Charlotte Sullivan
  7. "Over the next two years UNICEF will focus on improving access to and the quality of education to provide children who have dropped out of school or who work during school hours the opportunity to gain a formal education!"-Roger Moore
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