Ebola, or Ebola virus disease, is a highly contagious and potentially deadly illness caused by ebolaviruses. It has gained worldwide attention because of severe outbreaks in Central and West Africa. While Ebola can devastate families and communities, it is possible to reduce its spread and impact through prevention, early detection, and coordinated efforts.

Today, Ebola remains a serious threat. In May 2026, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) declared a new Ebola outbreak in Ituri  Province involving a newly identified variant that does not match previously known strains. With no vaccine currently available for this variant, thousands of displaced children are at risk.

Ebola virus disease: Facts, FAQs, and how to help

• Fast facts: Ebola
• What is Ebola?
• Current outbreak in DRC’s Ituri Province (May 2026)
• How can I help Ebola survivors and people affected by viruses?
• What are the symptoms of Ebola?
• Is Ebola treatable?
• How does World Vision respond to Ebola outbreaks?
• What was World Vision’s response to the Ebola outbreaks in 2014?

Fast facts: Ebola virus disease

• Ebolavirus is highly contagious and can cause Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever.
• The disease is initially transmitted to humans from wild animals. Subsequently, it spreads by human-to-human transmission through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected people. It can also be transmitted through contact with surfaces contaminated with these fluids.
• In 1976, public health officials identified ebolaviruses during two successive outbreaks of lethal hemorrhagic fever in distinct regions of Central Africa. The initial outbreak occurred in a village near the Ebola River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), giving the virus its name. The second outbreak occurred an estimated 500 miles away in what is now South Sudan.
• Ebola outbreaks primarily occur in Central and West Africa, with occasional cases in other regions.
• The largest outbreak happened in West Africa (2014–2016), with more recent outbreaks confirmed in DRC (2018–2020), Uganda (2022–2023), Kasai Province in DRC (2025), and Ituri Province in DRC (2026).

BACK TO QUESTIONS

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by World Vision USA (@worldvisionusa)

What is Ebola?

Ebola virus disease, formerly known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, is a rare and often deadly disease in humans caused by infection with one of four ebolavirus strains: Zaire, Sudan, Bundibugyo, or Taï Forest.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

Current outbreak in DRC’s Ituri Province (May 2026)

On May 15, 2026, the Democratic Republic of the Congo declared a new Ebola outbreak in the health zones of Bunia, Mongwalu, and Rwampara in Ituri Province.

The outbreak is especially concerning because health authorities say the newly identified Ebola variant does not match any previously known strain, and no vaccine is currently available. The crisis is unfolding in a region already affected by conflict, displacement, food insecurity, and limited healthcare access. More than 900,000 internally displaced people live in Ituri Province, placing thousands of children at heightened risk of infection.

As of May 19, 2026:

• 536 suspected cases, 105 probable cases, and 34 confirmed cases have been reported, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• 134 suspected deaths have been recorded
• These numbers include two confirmed cases, including one death in Uganda, in people who traveled from the DRC.
• This is a rapidly evolving situation, and case figures are subject to change.

World Vision is also working alongside health authorities and humanitarian partners to help contain the 17th outbreak and protect vulnerable children and families through hygiene promotion, infection prevention and control, child protection support, community education, and coordination with local leaders.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

How can I help Ebola survivors and people affected by viruses?

• Pray: Join us in praying for all those threatened by Ebola outbreaks and the spread of other diseases and infections.
• Sponsor a child as a personal way to show God’s love to a child in need.

What are the symptoms of Ebola?

Symptoms of Ebola virus disease include high body temperature, headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and both internal and external bleeding, such as from the gums and stool.

It can be challenging to distinguish Ebola from other diseases, such as malaria, typhoid fever, and meningitis. Symptoms typically appear from 2 to 21 days after contracting the disease. People who have contracted the disease can’t transmit it to others until symptoms appear.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

Is Ebola treatable?

While there is no proven, licensed treatment for Ebola, early symptom management and intravenous fluid hydration can improve survival rates. Ongoing research efforts are exploring potential treatments, including antiviral drugs and immunotherapies.

The 2026 Ituri outbreak is especially concerning because the newly identified variant currently has no vaccine available.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

How does World Vision respond to Ebola outbreaks?

World Vision responds swiftly to Ebola outbreaks by educating affected communities, supporting healthcare workers, providing child protection and psychosocial support, ensuring access to clean water and sanitation, and delivering emergency relief. We aim to help communities stay safe and resilient in the face of this deadly virus. A few of our key programming areas include:

Community education: We equip communities with information about Ebola prevention, transmission, and the importance of early detection. We help raise awareness to ensure people know how to protect themselves from the virus.

World Vision’s Channels of Hope programming: We train and equip religious leaders to share accurate information about Ebola prevention and treatment, dispel myths and misconceptions, and promote safe practices within their congregations and communities. By working with these local faith leaders, who have a great deal of influence because of how much their communities trust them, World Vision seeks to enhance awareness, reduce stigmatization, and encourage early detection and treatment of Ebola cases. The collaborative approach between faith-based organizations, communities, and health agencies has played a vital role in controlling the spread of Ebola and providing support to affected individuals and families.

Child protection: We offer psychosocial support to children who may have lost family members or been affected by the outbreak. We work to keep children safe and emotionally supported.

Healthcare support: We supply healthcare workers with medical supplies, protective gear, and training so they can safely care for Ebola patients.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

What was World Vision’s response to the Ebola outbreaks in 2014?

World Vision swiftly responded to the 2014 Ebola virus outbreak in Sierra Leone. We did this through a comprehensive effort to protect children and their families. With a strong focus on health and safety, awareness and prevention, safe burials, and social and economic recovery, World Vision played a crucial role in combating the epidemic. Our initiatives ranged from providing personal protective equipment and hygiene kits to launching extensive education campaigns and training local leaders on virus prevention. Through our efforts, we successfully prevented Ebola-related deaths among the children and families we supported. And we contributed significantly to the containment of the outbreak. Our approach encompassed immediate medical needs, long-term recovery, and community resilience.

When Ebola struck Sierra Leone in 2014, World Vision was already working in 25 program areas. We were serving an estimated 58,000 children and their families. Building on 20 years of community development in Sierra Leone, we joined communities, partner agencies, and every level of government in the battle against Ebola.

During the emergency response, World Vision reached 1.6 million people through these and other initiatives:

Health and safety

• World Vision delivered 5.4 million personal protective equipment items. These included suits, gloves, face masks, and goggles to Sierra Leone hospitals and health centers, and gave hygiene kits to schools. Long-time World Vision partner McKesson, one of the largest healthcare service companies in the U.S., donated 200 pallets of medical relief supplies to help meet Sierra Leone’s needs for five months.

Awareness and prevention

• World Vision–trained staff organized massive awareness, prevention, and education campaigns to protect children from the disease through radio and house-to-house information sharing.
• Staff trained more than 2,000 influential local leaders — including Christian and Muslim clerics, traditional faith healers, and frontline community health workers — to deliver messages on Ebola awareness and prevention. “When so many communities face such terrible suffering, the church must be there to combat fear, stigma, isolation, and hopelessness with both love and tangible support,” said Bruno Col, then­–World Vision communications director in West Africa.

Safe and dignified burials

• World Vision and two other aid agencies organized and trained 800 burial teams. These teams carried out 29,201 burials to prevent the spread of the disease while ensuring families had the opportunity to mourn and respecting their cultural beliefs.
• World Vision and its humanitarian partners, along with burial workers like 53-year-old Ebola survivor Maseray Kamara, were awarded the 2015 Bond International Humanitarian Award. The award recognized the courage and care of those on the front lines of Ebola prevention during the outbreak. “This recognition is a tremendous encouragement after all the suffering we have seen in Sierra Leone and across West Africa,” said Grace Kargbo, a World Vision Sierra Leone burial team manager at the time. “These brave souls have received little recognition at home and abroad. In fact, they have often been shunned, ostracized, vilified because they are burial workers.”

BACK TO QUESTIONS

Jonathan Bundu, Karen Homer, Chris Huber, Heather Klinger, Denise C. Koenig, Sahr Ngaujah, and Sevil Omer, all of World Vision, contributed to this article.

The post 2026 Ebola virus outbreak: Facts, FAQs, and how to help appeared first on World Vision.

Haiti faces a worsening humanitarian crisis. Armed gang violence, hunger, and ongoing instability are placing millions of people at greater risk. Children and families already struggling to find food and safety now face growing insecurity, displacement, and limited access to essential services.

World Vision is deeply concerned about the escalation of violence and compounding challenges that continue to threaten the safety and well-being of millions, especially children.

Haiti in crisis: Facts, FAQs, and how to help

• Fast facts: Haiti crisis
• What is the current situation in Haiti?
• Why is Haiti in crisis?
• What are the challenges and risks for Haitian children?
• How is World Vision helping vulnerable Haitian communities today?
• How many people in Haiti has World Vision supported?
• How can I make a difference and support Haitian children and families?

Fast facts: Haiti in crisis

• Widespread poverty: Haiti, the most impoverished nation in the Latin American and Caribbean region, faces severe economic challenges.
• Food insecurity: Nearly half of the Haitian population (5.7 million people) is affected by acute hunger, with over 1.9 million facing emergency levels of hunger.
• Displacement: Conflicts and natural disasters have displaced approximately 1.3 million people — over half of them children — within the country as of June 2025.
• Violence: Grave violations against children have surged 490% between 2023 and 2024, according to World Vision’s report.
• Healthcare crisis: Many health facilities are closed or operating only partially, limiting access to lifesaving care.
• Gender-based violence: Women and girls are increasingly victims of gang-related violence.
• Cholera outbreak: Tens of thousands of suspected cholera cases have been reported since 2022, straining an already fragile health system.
• Natural disasters: Haiti is highly vulnerable to earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and storms. Past disasters include the 2021 and 2010 earthquakes, which have compounded humanitarian needs.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

What is the current situation in Haiti?

Haiti is facing a prolonged and complex humanitarian crisis intensified by escalating violence, political instability, and economic hardship.

Since early 2024, armed groups have expanded their control across Port-au-Prince, with large portions of the city affected. This has disrupted access to food, clean water, healthcare, and other essential services. Insecurity has forced families to flee their homes, often multiple times, in search of safety.

The situation has also severely impacted supply chains. Looting and blockades have limited the movement of goods, contributing to rising food prices and worsening hunger.

Many Haitians are seeking safety elsewhere, including along the border with the Dominican Republic, where families face uncertain conditions and limited access to support.

At the same time, Haiti remains highly exposed to natural hazards. Seasonal storms and flooding continue to increase risks for vulnerable communities, intensifying already urgent humanitarian needs.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

Why is Haiti in crisis?

Haiti has faced a multidimensional crisis for decades, caused by political unrest and economic instability. The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted Haiti, exacerbating economic challenges and straining an already fragile healthcare system. Earthquakes, cholera outbreaks, and hurricanes, including Hurricane Melissa in late October 2025, continue to compound the hardships Haitians face today.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

What are the challenges and risks for Haitian children?

A humanitarian crisis delivers the heaviest blow to the most vulnerable — especially children. Even before the catastrophic threat of Hurricane Melissa, children in Haiti faced challenging conditions:

• Exposure to violence: Witnessing or experiencing violence firsthand can have long-lasting physical, social, and psychological effects.
• Forced recruitment into gangs: Children are exposed to further violence and exploitation by being forced into gangs.
• Malnutrition and food insecurity: Crisis-induced food shortages and rising prices are putting children at greater risk of severe malnutrition and its lasting impacts.
• Lack of protection: Displacement and migration caused by the current volatile situation can separate children from their families and caregivers, making them more vulnerable to abuse.
• Limited access to healthcare: Closed hospitals and disrupted health services leave many children without access to essential care and vaccinations.
• Education disruptions: School closures due to security concerns put children at risk of setbacks or even complete loss of education.

Nothing to eat

“The children complain of hunger, and there is nothing to eat,” said Rosemita, a 28-year-old mother of five, who fled with her children (shown right) to the Dominican Republic, hoping they would have enough food and be kept safe. “The situation is very tough, very difficult.”

With nowhere to go due to the escalating violence in Haiti, they have found some relief through World Vision, which supports the family with essential aid and resources.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

How is World Vision supporting vulnerable Haitian communities today?

World Vision works to support and safeguard vulnerable children and families during these dangerous and unpredictable conditions. Our longstanding operations in the country persist, and we remain committed to serving those in need in Haiti, as we have been doing for over 45 years.

Our support includes:

• Humanitarian aid: Food, clean water, shelter, hygiene kits, and cash assistance.
• Psychosocial and child protection programs: Helping children cope with trauma from violence and disasters.
• Gender-based violence support: Reaching survivors through case management.
• Emergency preparedness for Hurricane Melissa: Monitoring the storm and pre-positioning supplies to support 4,000 households with essential items, including food aid, access to clean water, shelter materials, and more.

“Children and families in Haiti are facing compounding crises,” said Lesly Michaud, World Vision’s national program director in Haiti. “We are committed to standing with communities through this storm and beyond, ensuring they receive the support they need to recover and rebuild.”

BACK TO QUESTIONS

How many people in Haiti has World Vision supported?

In 2025, World Vision supported 567,000 of the most vulnerable people in Haiti, maintaining a meaningful presence and promoting hope and resilience. Key updates include:

• 27,495 people have gained access to clean water through 12 new water points.
• 1,342 heads of households, 85% of them women, received small business skills and financial support to start or expand businesses.
• 1,839 children under 5 with care for severe malnutrition — over 98% fully recovered.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

How can I make a difference and support Haitian children and families?

You can make an impact amid the crisis in Haiti and other disasters worldwide.

• Pray: Join us in praying for all those affected by the crisis in Haiti.
• Give: Your gift will help deliver crucial aid to vulnerable children and families affected by emergencies like the crisis in Haiti.
• Sponsor a child: Help equip a child, their family, and community for a brighter future. Sponsorship helps meet urgent needs today — and supports lasting empowerment through physical and spiritual resources.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

The post Haiti crisis: Facts, FAQs, and how to help appeared first on World Vision.

Malaria remains a life-threatening disease spread to humans by infected mosquitoes. Nearly half of the world’s population is at risk of the disease, but it poses a special risk to pregnant mothers and children under 5. Challenges persist while progress against malaria is being made through improved diagnosis, treatments, insecticide-treated bed nets, and the malaria vaccine.

Malaria: Facts, FAQs, and how to help

Explore facts and frequently asked questions about malaria, and learn how you can help children and families at risk.

• Fast facts: Malaria
• What is malaria, and what causes it?
• What are the symptoms?
• Why is malaria especially dangerous for infants and young children?
• What are the best preventative measures?
• How can I help people at risk of malaria?
• What is World Vision doing to tackle malaria?
• Milestones in the fight against malaria

Fast facts: Malaria

• In 2024, nearly half of the global population faced the risk of malaria, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
• An estimated 282 million people contracted malaria in 80 countries in 2024, compared to 249 million in 2023.
• The total number of malaria-related deaths in 2024 reached 610,000.
• Children under 5 in sub-Saharan Africa are particularly vulnerable to malaria, accounting for approximately 75% of malaria-related deaths.
• World Malaria Day on April 25 serves as a reminder of the ongoing effort needed to eradicate this deadly disease, which disproportionately affects vulnerable populations with limited access to healthcare.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

What is malaria, and what causes it?

Malaria is a potentially life-threatening disease caused by the Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) parasite. The parasite is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. The mosquito must have acquired the parasite by previously biting a person who carries the parasite in their blood. The parasites multiply in the infected person’s liver before ultimately infecting and destroying red blood cells.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

What are the symptoms?

Malaria symptoms include a high fever, chills, headache, and vomiting. These flu-like symptoms usually appear between 10 and 15 days after an infected mosquito bites a person.

If untreated, malaria can become life-threatening by disrupting the blood supply to vital organs. Signs of severe malaria include very pale skin, severe vomiting, and convulsions.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

Why is malaria especially dangerous for infants and young children?

During pregnancy, a mother’s infection can lead to low birth weight and infant mortality. Newborns in malaria-prone areas acquire some immunity from their mothers, but it wanes after about three months. In places where malaria is prevalent, children who survive multiple infections often become partially immune by the time they’re between 2 and 5 years old. That’s why the most severe malaria cases tend to affect children under 5, before they have had time to build up sufficient immunity.

Additionally, children with malaria are at a higher risk of anemia, which can be fatal if untreated.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

What are the best preventative measures?

To prevent malaria in countries where it is endemic, several effective strategies can be used:

• Sleeping under long-lasting insecticidal bed nets: Using durable pre-treated bed nets helps protect people from mosquito bites while sleeping. This also reduces the risk of malaria transmission.
• Taking antimalarial medications: Pregnant women, in particular, can take antimalarial medications to prevent infections that could endanger their lives and the health of their unborn children.
• Eliminating standing water: Cleaning up stagnant water around dwellings helps eliminate breeding sites for mosquitoes, which reduces their population and potential for spreading malaria.
• Indoor spraying with insecticide: Indoor spraying of insecticides effectively kills mosquitoes and rapidly reduces malaria transmission in affected areas.
• Early diagnosis and prompt treatment: Timely diagnosis and treatment with antimalarial medications can prevent a mild case of malaria from becoming severe and life-threatening.
• Vaccination: The RTS,S/AS01 (RTS,S) vaccine, developed after 35 years of research, is considered a breakthrough for child health, according to the U.N. Children’s Agency (UNICEF). It targets the deadliest malaria parasite, P. falciparum, in Africa. The vaccine reduces severe malaria and child mortality, a significant milestone in the fight against malaria.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

What is World Vision doing to tackle malaria?

World Vision works to prevent malaria and ensure people in affected areas stay safe and healthy. We play a significant role in fighting malaria by supporting and helping fund local programs in places where malaria is a threat, including Angola, the Central African Republic, Malawi, Mozambique, Thailand, and Zimbabwe. 

We equip people with long-lasting insecticidal bed nets for sleeping, reducing mosquito bites and malaria risk. Our efforts also extend to indoor insecticide applications, community health worker education, and data-driven mosquito-control measures.

We supported over 23 million people through our malaria prevention programs in 2024. That same year, World Vision distributed over 1 million bed nets in at-risk communities, reaching over 1.9 million people in Burundi and the Central African Republic. 

In Zambia, community health workers are tackling malaria with the support of World Vision and its partners.

Phales Mulinda, a trained community health worker, has significantly impacted her community by providing critical medical services and education. “From the time I was trained, I have been able to not only work, but I am well informed about malaria, unlike before,” she says. “I am very happy because of the knowledge that World Vision facilitated … to help my community.”

Thanks to the malaria prevention measures she implements, people no longer have to travel long distances to get medical attention. The Partners for a Malaria-Free Zambia program, launched in 2021, aims to end malaria by adding 2,500 community health workers to the national health system, serving over 1.3 million people in 10 highly affected districts. The Rotary Foundation, World Vision, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation each contributed $2 million to the program.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

How can I help people at risk of malaria?

• Pray: Dear God, we see Your hand in the work to end malaria. Lift the spirits of all individuals who devote themselves to this effort, and bless their work to achieve even greater results. Be with those who are ill with malaria and suffering from its effects, and help them make a full recovery.
• Give: Help provide life-saving interventions like insecticide-treated bed nets, medical care, prevention education, and more.
• Sponsor a child: World Vision’s sponsorship program helps whole communities find sustainable solutions for the issues they’re facing, like prevention and treatment for malaria.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

Milestones in the fight against malaria

1880s to 1890s: The malaria parasite and its transmission through mosquitoes were identified.

The early 1900s: The use of insecticide spray reduced malaria and yellow fever during the construction of the Panama Canal and the U.S. occupation of Cuba.

1930s to 1950s: Federal Public Health Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) spraying programs eliminated the transmission in the U.S.

1955 to 1970s: The world experienced varying success in eliminating malaria, depending on local conditions, health system strength, climate, and development.

2002: The Global Fund invested approximately $4 billion annually to fight malaria, AIDS, and tuberculosis in locations of greatest need.

2006: President George W. Bush’s malaria initiative committed $1.2 billion to fight the disease in 15 countries.

2015: Due to nearly 1 billion bed nets distributed in sub-Saharan Africa between 2000 and 2015, there was a 37% reduction in global malaria incidence and a 60% decline in death rates, achieving Millennium Development Goal targets.

2016: Between 2000 and 2016, global efforts saved 6.8 million lives and prevented 1 billion cases.

2017: The U.S. malaria initiative expanded to 24 countries and over 90 million people in West and Central Africa.

2020 to 2021: Service disruptions due to COVID-19 caused approximately 13 million more malaria cases and 63,000 more malaria-related deaths.

Present to 2030: The World Health Organization aims for a 90% reduction in malaria cases by 2030.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

The post Malaria: Facts, FAQs, and how to help appeared first on World Vision.

The post 12 top disasters of 2025 appeared first on World Vision.

Children deserve to grow up in safety and love. But in some parts of the world, danger shadows every moment of childhood. These are not just risky places for travelers — they’re home to millions of children who wake up each day surrounded by war, hunger, and instability.

Below, we highlight 10 of the most dangerous places for children today, along with their stories of courage and resilience. Throughout our 75 years of work, we’ve seen one truth in the hardest places to be a child: danger is constant — but so is hope.

The top 10 most dangerous places

Click a country name to go directly to its section. In alphabetical order:

• Afghanistan
• Central African Republic
• Colombia
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Gaza and the West Bank
• Haiti
• Myanmar
• Sudan
• Syria
• Yemen

Frequently asked questions

• What is the most dangerous country for children in 2025?
• Why are these countries dangerous for children?
• How does World Vision help children in conflict zones?
• How can I help children living in the world’s most dangerous places?

Afghanistan

Children and families in Afghanistan face daily life marked by hunger and hidden dangers. These challenges include:

• Political instability
• Limited access to healthcare, education, and employment
• Severe restrictions on women’s rights
• Malnutrition and widespread drought
• Unexploded weapons ordnance threatening lives

“We had no idea that land was dangerous. These are lands our families have farmed for generations. Our children played there all the time. No one warned us,” said Sharafuddin, whose sons, 12-year-old Salahuddin and 10-year-old Najmuddin, were killed by a mine while playing on their family farm in May 2025.

“I had so many hopes for them. In one moment, everything collapsed,” says Sharafuddin.

Afghanistan is one of the most heavily mine-contaminated countries in the world.

“The risk is real. Our teams have unknowingly driven over UXOs [Unexploded Explosive Ordnance] before, thankfully, without incident. But with no comprehensive maps or warning systems in place, the threat is everywhere,” said Hayatullah Tayeeq, World Vision’s zonal manager in Badghis, Afghanistan. “It hasn’t stopped us from delivering aid, but it adds an invisible layer of danger to every field visit.”

BACK TO LIST OF COUNTRIES

Central African Republic (CAR)

The Central African Republic has faced decades of violent uprisings and broken peace deals. Since 2013, ongoing conflict and instability have displaced millions of people. The ongoing challenges include:

• Protracted conflict has led to widespread violence, insecurity, and displacement.
• Approximately 79% of the population lives in extreme poverty.
• Grave violations against children are among the highest in the world, including:
  • Recruitment and use by armed groups
  • Abduction
  • Sexual violence
• One of the world’s highest child mortality rates due to preventable diseases, hunger, and lack of healthcare.

Children like Richard (pictured above) in the CAR face staggering challenges, including one of the highest child mortality rates in the world. In displacement camps, their most urgent needs are food, water, and shelter. But as settlements become more established, recovery begins — and so does education, often under tarps or in makeshift classrooms.

That’s when a birth certificate becomes crucial.

“I’m happy to receive the birth certificate because it helps me to be recognized. To be someone,” said Richard.

Without legal documentation, children cannot take national exams, graduate from school, or obtain an ID or passport. Birth certificates open doors to opportunity — and affirm a child’s identity and future.

“The importance of a birth certificate is that it allows you to take an exam, like the B.E.C., or earn a diploma, or get a passport. It affirms who I am,” he said.

BACK TO LIST OF COUNTRIES

Colombia

As the primary host country for Venezuelan refugees and migrants, Colombia has become one of the most dangerous places for children affected by the regional migration crisis. Instead of finding safety there, many face new dangers:

• Recruitment by armed groups
• Gender-based violence and sexual exploitation
• Trafficking and family separation
• Lack of access to education, healthcare, and shelter
• Psychological trauma from violence and displacement

Armed conflict, violence, displacement, and humanitarian gaps have created multiple layers of risk, particularly in border and conflict-affected regions like Catatumbo.

More than 2.8 million Venezuelans, including 800,000 children, are living in Colombia. Children describe life in Colombia’s conflict zones as terrifying. Aime, a 14-year-old from Venezuela, told UNICEF, “We can’t leave our houses after 9 p.m. We can’t even go to the store because of the fear that they’ll take us away or they will recruit us. Young people are taken, without understanding what they are going to do to them. They are taken by force.”

“Entire families, including children and adolescents, have been forced to leave their homes in search of refuge in other parts of the country and at the border with Venezuela,” said Peter Gape, national director for World Vision in Colombia and Venezuela. “We ask for your prayers for those suffering from this crisis, for our team working tirelessly to provide humanitarian aid, and for a prompt resolution that brings peace and hope to the affected communities.”

BACK TO LIST OF COUNTRIES

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

In the eastern DRC, spikes in violence are a continual threat, especially against children. The United Nations reports that children are being recruited and armed, which is a grave violation of international law. In South Kivu, thousands have been displaced, and millions of children face increased risks of exploitation, trauma, hunger, and disease outbreaks. The ongoing challenges include:

• Over 15 million children live in instability.
• A deadly cholera epidemic has spread across six provinces, with more than 18,000 cases and 364 deaths reported since January 2025.
• Flooding and unsafe water increase the threat of illness
• In mining provinces like Lualaba and Haut-Katanga, child labor is widespread. Tens of thousands of children work in cobalt and copper extraction.

In towns like Kakanda, children as young as 6 work to support their families by selling food on the streets, carrying water, or caring for younger siblings. Children like the young girl shown above dig through toxic rubble with their bare hands, hoping to earn enough for a meal. Without safety gear, they risk injury, illness, or even death. Eleven-year-old Chantal* (not pictured) began working in the mines at age 9 after her father died. “I haven’t been to school in three months,” says Chantal*, who cooks and cleans for her family instead of attending class. “Sometimes I was so tired I’d fall asleep on the ground, right among the rocks,” she says.

Though Congolese law prohibits underage labor in mining, extreme poverty forces many families to rely on income from their children. Most earn less than $2 a day.

*Names changed to protect identity

BACK TO LIST OF COUNTRIES

Gaza and the West Bank

Children in Gaza face unparalleled hardships, with no safe place to seek refuge amid a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Movement restrictions and displacements are causing a spiraling economic crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, as families are unable to harvest crops and have depleted their savings. Many people in the West Bank are experiencing acute food insecurity, with nearly half a million facing severe hunger. Since January 2025, an escalation of armed violence has devastated cities across the northern West Bank, displacing over 40,000 people, destroying homes, and forcing dozens of schools to close. The ongoing challenges include:

• Death and injury from armed conflict, famine conditions, severe malnutrition, and starvation.
• Access to food, clean water, and medical care is severely limited.
• Trauma and protection risks rise for children, especially those separated from their families.

World Vision currently operates in the West Bank and broader Middle East region, providing emergency humanitarian aid and support.

Suha, a 30-year-old mother from the Tulkarem Refugee Camp in the northern West Bank, never imagined she would be uprooted from her home with nothing but a few clothes for her daughter.

“We had a routine, a home, and hope,” she says. But when her family was ordered to leave, they had minutes to pack. Later, when Suha and her husband returned to retrieve their belongings, they were shot at. “We had to run for our lives. We left everything behind in the street.”

Suha, her husband, and daughter first found shelter in an overcrowded family home before moving in with her parents. Her husband is now unemployed, and the family relies entirely on humanitarian aid.

“It breaks our hearts,” Suha says. “We feel ashamed to ask for help, but we have no other choice.”

Suha has not yet been able to re-enroll her daughter in kindergarten due to financial hardship. The family’s future remains uncertain.

BACK TO LIST OF COUNTRIES

Haiti

Horrific violence, political collapse, and natural disasters, including Hurricane Melissa in late October 2025, have pushed Haiti into a free fall. Armed groups control large parts of the capital, cutting families off from food and medical care. The major challenges include:

• Over 5 million people need humanitarian assistance.
• Over 1 million people face emergency levels of food insecurity.
• Gang violence, kidnappings, and sexual violence are widespread.
• Earthquakes and extreme storms further destabilize vulnerable communities.

Wista, a small business owner, fled with her 5-year-old daughter, Judenie (both pictured above), after gangs threatened to overrun their community. “I had no choice but to leave everything behind,” Wista said. Their journey to safety involved crossing rivers, accidents, and days on foot.

“The little girl walked and walked for miles, but she found the strength in God to continue. I was in pain. We crossed rivers on a small canoe,” Wista said. They traveled on motorcycles that crashed into rocks. “I wanted to lie down in the bushes and sleep forever. But I kept thinking of my daughter and the need to protect her.”

At a shelter, Wista was too weak to eat or drink. Judenie, missing her school and friends, said quietly, “I was scared and tired. But Mama said we have to move.” “

Though they escaped the violence, the trauma remains. Wista reflected, “All I wanted was to protect my daughter and survive. But I never imagined how hard the road would be.”

BACK TO LIST OF COUNTRIES

Myanmar

Children in Myanmar are experiencing a deepening humanitarian crisis marked by displacement, violence, and hunger. The situation has been exacerbated by a magnitude 7.7 earthquake on March 28, 2025, near Mandalay and Sagaing, causing widespread destruction. The major challenges include:

• More than 3,100 people have died, and over 4,800 are injured.
• Thousands of homes, schools, hospitals, roads, and bridges have been damaged or destroyed, cutting off access to essential services. 
• Food insecurity, already high, has worsened as the quake further restricted access to food and clean water.
• Natural disasters, including flooding and cyclones, continue to challenge communities, compounding risks during crises.

Children like Alinka had their lives turned upside down in seconds.

“I was playing when the earthquake hit,” says Alinka from one of the hardest-hit areas near Mandalay. The walls shook violently, and as she clung to a door, it collapsed on her. Alinka broke her leg and needed surgery to recover.

About 50 homes in their village were destroyed, along with the school, the local monastery, and the community water supply. Families have slept outside, fearful of aftershocks.

The disaster has also disrupted livelihoods. Alinka’s family, who sell goods in the market, are struggling with rising prices and damaged roads.

“With monsoon season around the corner, the threat of diseases like diarrhea and dengue is growing fast. Children’s lives are still at risk. We need your help now more than ever to ensure the most vulnerable children are not forgotten,” said Dr. Kyi Minn, World Vision’s national director in Myanmar.

BACK TO LIST OF COUNTRIES

Sudan

Conflict has engulfed Sudan since April 2023, forcing millions from their homes and plunging the country into a deepening humanitarian crisis. The challenges include:

• An estimated 14.6 million people fled their communities — the world’s largest displacement crisis
• Widespread violence, including sexual violence against women and girls
• Acute hunger affecting over 17 million people
• Deadly cholera outbreak spreading across 17 of 18 states

Conflict has forced families to flee with little more than the clothes on their backs. In Port Sudan, World Vision supports displaced communities with essentials like access to clean water, shelter kits, psychosocial support, and more. But insecurity continues to limit humanitarian access, even as a deadly cholera outbreak spreads, endangering already vulnerable children and families.

Sinein and his mother, Assanea, are the only survivors of their family after fleeing conflict in Sudan.

“I lost my children and my husband, who was my backbone. …” Assanea said. After seeking safety in Chad, they face the heartbreak of starting over. “If I found a secure place to stay, that is enough for me. I can’t go home — there’s no one and nothing there for me.”

BACK TO LIST OF COUNTRIES

Syria

Syria remains one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a child — not only because of violence, but because of the invisible, long-lasting wounds of displacement and trauma. The challenges include:

• More than 14 years of war and widespread displacement.
• Devastating earthquakes in 2023 destroyed homes, schools, and healthcare centers.
• Return of refugees to a conflict-ridden country.
• Malnutrition and water scarcity.
• Protection threats: exploitation, abuse, and loss of education.

In early 2023, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck both Syria and Turkey (officially the Republic of Türkiye), affecting nearly 9 million people who had already been impacted by war and displacement. In southern Türkiye, near the Syrian border, thousands of Syrian refugees, many fleeing conflict for over a decade, lived through destruction once more.

Sara (pictured above) is among those affected by displacement. The Syrian teen has lived in Şanlıurfa, Turkey, for 13 years and has experienced many struggles of displacement. She recalled one fire that swept through her last displacement camp. “I still remember how it roared through container by container.… That day was so hard.”

Through initiatives like the LIFT Project, World Vision is helping young survivors like Sara rebuild their inner worlds and rediscover joy, connection, and hope.

Sara stepped into the role of a facilitator on April 23, 2025, painting children’s faces and spreading smiles. “I want to go back to school next year and become a doctor — a child doctor — to help kids like me everywhere,” she said.

BACK TO LIST OF COUNTRIES

Yemen

Nearly a decade of conflict. Yemen’s children face one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, marked by hunger, disease, and collapsing health systems. The challenges include:

• Ongoing airstrikes and conflict continue to endanger lives.
• Four out of 5 children need humanitarian assistance.
• 3.2 million children are out of school and at risk of exploitation.
• Millions of people lack access to safe water and sanitation.

Hamdi, a nurse at a World Vision–supported clinic in Al Milah District, Lahj Governorate, says poverty is the No. 1 enemy. Many families must skip meals, and a lack of nutrition knowledge also contributes to child malnutrition, Hamdi said.

Since World Vision and partner organization Medair began their outreach, community health has improved. Parents are learning to spot and treat malnutrition early, helping turn despair into hope.

Hadi, the clinic manager, added: “With the support of World Vision and Medair, the clinic became a vital hub for food and medical assistance.”

BACK TO LIST OF COUNTRIES

Frequently asked questions

What is the most dangerous country for children in 2025?

While all 10 countries listed face extreme threats, Gaza, Sudan, and Yemen are experiencing some of the worst humanitarian conditions, including severe hunger, displacement, and the collapse of essential services.

BACK TO FAQs

Why are these countries dangerous for children?

These countries are marked by armed conflict, forced displacement, hunger, disease outbreaks, and limited access to education and protection. Children are at risk of recruitment by armed groups, trafficking, malnutrition, and even death.

BACK TO FAQs

How does World Vision help children in conflict zones?

World Vision works in many of the world’s most fragile countries to provide lifesaving assistance, including access to clean water, nutritious food, healthcare, psychosocial support, and child protection programs.

BACK TO FAQs

How can I help children living in the world’s most dangerous places?

You can support children in crisis by:

• Giving: Your gift can deliver hope and practical help to children and families when disasters and conflict strike in the most dangerous places.
• Sponsoring a child: Help equip a child, their family, and community for a brighter future. Sponsorship helps meet urgent needs today — and supports lasting empowerment through physical and spiritual resources.

BACK TO FAQs

*The following list was compiled using the latest data from humanitarian agencies and global monitoring organizations, including the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the World Food Programme (WFP). World Vision’s program insights and response updates from 2023 to 2025 also informed the selection. Countries were chosen based on the severity of threats facing children, including conflict, displacement, hunger, disease outbreaks, and barriers to education and protection. While this list highlights urgent but less-publicized crises, World Vision’s disaster relief efforts in major emergencies — including the Middle East crisis, war in Ukraine, and the Venezuela crisis — continue unabated.

The post Top 10 most dangerous places in the world to be a child appeared first on World Vision.

The post From the World Vision U.S. president: 75 years of belief appeared first on World Vision.

Extreme poverty means more than going without. It means living without the basics every human needs to survive — like clean water, nutritious food, healthcare, and education. But at its core, poverty is more than a material lack of resources. It’s about lost potential and the difficult choices no one should ever have to make.

A child may skip meals so that their siblings can eat. Mothers and daughters may walk for hours to find water, knowing the girls may miss school that day. Families are forced to choose between survival and safety, and between meeting urgent needs and holding on to hope for a better future.

But it doesn’t have to stay this way.

Learn more about extreme poverty and solutions that bring lasting change:

• What is extreme poverty, and how is it defined?
• What are the causes of extreme poverty?
• Who is most affected by extreme poverty?
• How does extreme poverty affect children?
• Is extreme poverty getting worse or better?
• What are the most effective solutions to end extreme poverty?
• Can faith make a difference in development work?
• What makes World Vision different in tackling extreme poverty?
• Breaking the poverty cycle: Stories of change
• How can I help end extreme poverty?

What is extreme poverty, and how is it defined?

When we talk about extreme poverty in the world, we’re using the standard set by the World Bank: surviving on less than $3.00 each day. For nearly 700 million people, this isn’t just poverty statistics — it’s their daily reality. That amount simply isn’t enough to pay for food, clean water, or shelter.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

Help us end extreme poverty by empowering people through your generosity.

What are the causes of extreme poverty?

There’s no single cause — poverty is a web of connected factors and challenges that keep people trapped in hardship. Among the most common drivers:

• Conflict and political instability displace families and destroy infrastructure.
• Extreme weather events, like droughts and floods, reduce food and water security.
• Lack of education limits income and future economic opportunity.
• Unclean water and poor sanitation spread disease and reduce productivity.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

“The biggest challenge that we are facing in this area is lack of access to clean water,” says Anazazi, a mother in Kenya. “… If we had clean water in the community, it would really help us and help us to live a good life.”

Who is most affected by extreme poverty?

Extreme poverty impacts entire communities, but children and women are often hit hardest.

• Children under 5 are especially vulnerable to stunting from chronic malnutrition, which can cause lifelong cognitive and physical challenges.
• Women and girls often walk long distances for water, sacrificing time that could be spent on education or earning an income.
• Families in rural or fragile contexts may lack access to jobs, electricity, safe roads, and clean water sources.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

How does extreme poverty affect children?

Poverty and children are tragically intertwined. Extreme poverty limits potential and opportunity. It means going to bed hungry, missing school, and growing up without safe places to play or learn. In recent years, the number of children living in poverty has surged, with an estimated 356 million children now affected globally. That’s more than the entire population of the United States.

For children, the impact of poverty runs deep:

• Malnutrition can delay brain development and learning.
• Lack of education limits future opportunities and earning potential.
• Unsafe living conditions raise the risk of violence, exploitation, and abuse.

Yet children are also the key to breaking the cycle. When a child gains access to clean water, health services, and education, their lives and their communities begin to change and thrive.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

Is extreme poverty getting worse or better?

After decades of progress in reducing poverty, gains have slowed, and in some places, reversed, following the COVID-19 pandemic. In some regions, poverty is now worse than it was five years ago.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

What are the most effective solutions to end extreme poverty?

Based on decades of research and field experience, these solutions are the most impactful to break the poverty cycle:

• Access to clean water and sanitation
• Empowering women and girls
• Strengthening families through economic and spiritual support
• Supporting local health and education systems
• Partnering with trusted community leaders

BACK TO QUESTIONS

Can faith make a difference in development work?

Faith-based poverty relief offers more than material support — it revives hope. World Vision integrates spiritual development into our poverty-tackling work through a curriculum called Biblical Empowered Worldview. This approach helps people understand their worth, purpose, and potential through the lens of faith.

Our Christian identity has shaped how we serve. We partner with local churches not just for physical needs, but to nurture spiritual and emotional healing. This model of faith-based poverty relief deepens trust and long-term impact.

A study from Baylor University found that faith-based organizations often outperform others in building sustainable support systems, due to deep-rooted community engagement and volunteer mobilization.

By partnering with leaders from both Christian and other faiths, we create meaningful change in communities. These leaders use their trusted influence to address important issues such as child protection, public health, and social well-being. Through programs like Channels of Hope, World Vision equips them with training, accurate information, and tools to promote social norms while offering spiritual and emotional support. This approach leads to measurable improvements in health, safety, and community development around the world.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

What makes World Vision different in tackling extreme poverty?

We are one of the world’s largest Christian humanitarian organizations, serving children and families in nearly 100 countries.

What sets us apart:

• We stay long-term. Our community partnerships typically last 10 to 15 years, giving time to help build strong local systems and raise up local leaders who can sustain progress.
• Faith-driven, not faith-limited: Motivated by our Christian faith, we serve all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. Faith inspires our work; it never limits who we serve.
• We multiply impact. Every $1 given is multiplied through grants and partnerships.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

Breaking the poverty cycle: Stories of change

Access to clean water opens the door

One of the simplest ways to break the poverty cycle is by giving families access to clean water. It means fewer missed school days, lower risk of disease, and more time for work and for kids, time to learn and play.

In Kenya, 15-year-old Grace has experienced this. For four years, she and her siblings rose before dawn to gather water from a distant, unsafe source. The burden was physical — carrying more than 22 pounds of water in one haul — and deeply emotional. “I was a little bit scared,” Grace says. “I am scared of the darkness.”

Gathering often caused her to miss school. Contaminated water also made her sick. She says, “I would feel like there is a needle or a thorn poking inside my stomach.”

That changed when World Vision, part of its community development work, installed two water points, including one at Grace’s school. Today, Grace attends classes regularly and dreams of brighter days.

Clean water is more than a basic need: It protects health, restores dignity, and opens the door to education and opportunity.

Stories like Grace’s show the power of simple acts, like access to clean water. Together, we can continue breaking the cycle of poverty for families around the world.

Equipping women and girls changes everything

When women and girls are empowered, entire communities thrive.

In Ethiopia, literacy classes have helped mothers earn income and support their children’s education. In Kenya, thousands of women join savings groups to launch small businesses and build economic resilience.

When one woman is empowered, the ripple effect extends to her family, her village, and the next generation.

Former sponsored child Phanet (pictured above at age 19) now teaches fifth grade in the same rural Cambodian classroom where she once studied. With support from World Vision’s sponsorship program, her family’s farm grew into a thriving business, and Phanet overcame challenges to pursue her education. Today, she is determined to pass on the gift of learning to the next generation, while continuing to dream for herself.

Faith-based programs help people thrive

Prisca (shown below at age 20), whose confidence had been shaken by unexpected pregnancy and economic pressure, experienced renewal firsthand through World Vision’s Biblical Empowered Worldview training.

“Before [Biblical] Empowered Worldview, I was looking at life in a very narrow way. I thought that earning money was very difficult. Especially after I got pregnant, it’s like I became more closed.”

The training reframed her vision. “[Biblical Empowered Worldview] taught us to see how we can look at life in a broader way and be able to develop ourselves,” Prisca says. “It has helped me to be able to figure out how to improve myself. I’m able to do business on my own and see how I can develop myself.”

Today, she dreams of becoming a teacher and one day building a home for herself and her son, Lazarus. “Even for my son, I want him to go to school and to be educated so he can even be better than me in the future.”

This is the power of faith in action: practical tools, spiritual renewal, and the chance to reimagine a future beyond poverty.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

How can I help end extreme poverty?

Real change starts with informed action. You can:

• Sponsor a child
• Support clean water, health, and educational programs
• Advocate for policies that reduce extreme poverty
• Pray and share stories that inspire

BACK TO QUESTIONS

The post What is extreme poverty and how can we end it? appeared first on World Vision.

Imagine having only minutes to decide what to take and what to leave behind. Your home, your school, your community — lost in an instant. For millions, this isn’t just a worst-case scenario; it’s reality.

Emergencies rarely come with a warning. They strike fast — with the roar of wildfire, the jolt of an earthquake, or the silence that follows lost communication. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a power outage, or a humanitarian crisis, having a plan ready can mean the difference between chaos and calm.

Emergency preparedness isn’t about fear. It’s about responsibility, not just for ourselves but also for our loved ones, our neighbors, and our most vulnerable community members. We’ve seen firsthand how small steps taken before a disaster can save lives and bring hope back.

Proverbs 27:12 tells us, “The prudent see danger and take refuge.” As people of faith, we prepare not out of fear, but out of love for our families, for our neighbors, and for those God calls us to serve.

To prepare for an emergency, you’ll need to make a plan for your household, build an emergency supply kit with food and water, and stay informed about risks in your area. You’ll also need to store important documents, medications, and contact info, and you’ll want to practice your plan regularly and keep your kit updated. Preparation can save lives and reduce panic.

Emergency preparedness guide

Let’s walk through, step-by-step, on how to prepare for a disaster or emergency so you can be ready, equipped, and empowered. In this guide, you’ll discover:

• Why emergency preparedness matters
• How to create an emergency plan and supply kit
• Make a spiritual readiness plan
• Ready to respond: How World Vision helps during emergencies

Why emergency preparedness matters

Disasters come in many forms: hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, wildfires, armed conflict, pandemics, and more. Emergencies can unfold without warning, leaving little time to act.

Preparedness saves lives and reduces suffering. Children, the elderly, and people with disabilities are especially at-risk during emergencies. Having a plan helps protect the most vulnerable. Proverbs 27:12 reminds us: “The wise see danger and take cover.”

A frequent sentiment after a disaster is wishing one had done things differently or been more prepared.

“I wish before the hurricane, I had known not to underestimate the power of the floodwaters and the storm,” said Mateo Magana (pictured above) of Swannanoa, North Carolina.

On September 26, 2024, Hurricane Helene — a catastrophic Category 4 storm — roared ashore in Florida and devastated North Carolina. It destroyed Mateo’s home, where he lives with his grandparents.

“If I could go back, I would definitely have a bag ready and packed,” he said.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

How to create an emergency plan and supply kit

Being prepared and self-sufficient is crucial, as disasters in the U.S. can overwhelm emergency services. It’s essential for households to be able to sustain themselves for at least 72 hours.

This three-day standard, recommended by FEMA and the American Red Cross, aligns with global best practices, emphasizing the importance of readiness regardless of where a disaster occurs.

In Europe, the European Union has recently adopted a similar strategy. In March 2025, the EU urged its 450 million citizens to stockpile essential supplies to last at least 72 hours. This recommendation is part of the EU’s Preparedness Union Strategy, which aims to enhance resilience against emerging threats such as extreme weather, cyberattacks, and geopolitical tensions.

Mike Bassett, World Vision’s U.S. Programs emergency response manager, has responded to U.S. disasters for nearly 10 years — from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey in 2017 to the Central Texas flooding in July 2025.

“When a family is prepared for disaster, they are protecting the most important thing, the lives and safety of their family,” he explains. “I have heard numerous times from survivors of a disaster say, ‘I am just thankful we are safe; things can be replaced, lives can’t.’”

Here are the steps you can take to make your emergency plan and supply kit.

1. Know your risks

• Learn what disasters are most likely in your area.
• Sign up for local emergency alerts and weather apps.
• Prepare for specific threats like earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, or fires.

2. Create a household emergency plan

• Select two designations to meet in case not everyone is home when the disaster occurs: a nearby location near your home, one outside your neighborhood. List contact numbers and create a phone tree.
  • Keep printed contact cards in wallets, backpacks, and vehicles.
  • Save contacts on all family devices and back them up in cloud storage.
  • Choose an out-of-area contact to help relay messages.
• Decide how you’ll communicate if phones go down.
  • Use walkie-talkies for short-range family communication
  • Keep a better-powered radio with extra batteries to receive emergency updates
  • Install the FEMA and Red Cross apps for alerts that may still reach you even if your network is busy.
• Plan for evacuation routes and shelter options.

3. Build an emergency kit

• Tailor your kit for your household’s needs and store it in a grab-and-go backpack or waterproof container.
• Use this checklist for basic supplies to build a survival kit for each member of your household:

• • 1 gallon of water per person, per day (3-day minimum)
  • Non-perishable food (3-day minimum supply, per person)
  • Manual can opener
  • First aid kit (basic items):
    • Adhesive bandages (various sizes)
    • Sterile gauze pads and adhesive tape
    • Antiseptic wipes or solution
    • Tweezers and travel-sized scissors
    • Pain relievers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
    • Allergy medication (antihistamines)
    • Gloves (disposable)
    • Any personal prescription medications
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Copies of IDs, insurance policies, and medical records
  • Personal hygiene items (toilet paper, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste)
  • Extra clothes and sturdy shoes (suitable for walking over rubble or flooded areas)
  • Emergency shelter:
    • Blankets or sleeping bags (pack separately, if needed, near go bag)
    • Tent or tarp for emergency shelter
    • Rain ponchos or waterproof covering
  • Paper maps of your local area
  • Cell phone charger and power bank
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Cash in small bills
  • For special consideration:
    • Supplies for pets, babies, and elderly family members.
    • Extra items for medical, dietary, or mobility needs.

4. Stay informed

• Monitor local news and emergency broadcasts.
• Follow trusted sources and authorities. For example:
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – U.S. disaster alerts and preparedness guidance
  • American Red Cross – Shelter information, disaster updates, and relief resources
  • National Weather Service (NWS) – Weather alerts, warnings, and forecasts
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) – Severe weather and natural disaster monitoring
  • Local government emergency management offices – City or county-specific alerts and instructions

5. Practice your plan

• Run regular emergency drills with all family members at least twice a year. Adjust and update contact information and locations, if needed.
• Make it family-friendly and age-appropriate so children are not unnecessarily scared, while still learning what to do in an emergency.
• Review and update your plan yearly. Make sure everyone in the family is informed and can articulate what the plan is.

*Sources adapted from the U.S. government resources, including Ready.gov, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

Make a spiritual readiness plan

In moments of fear or panic, God’s word brings peace, so it can be wise to also create a spiritual readiness kit into your regular emergency kit.  We encourage families to prepare holistically, combining physical safety with spiritual resilience. Being ready is an act of faith and love. God calls us to care for one another, especially in times of trouble. Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:31)

Bring faith into your emergency readiness:

• Include scripture cards featuring verses of comfort, a children’s Bible, and a prayer guide in your emergency kit. Verses of comfort can include:

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble – Psalm 46:1 

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. – John 14:27

• Pray as a family during emergency drills.
• Encourage your church or ministry to develop a disaster response plan, so it may assist community members in the event of a disaster.
• Check in on vulnerable neighbors during storms or evacuations.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

Ready to respond: How World Vision helps during emergencies

At World Vision, we believe preparation is an act of love. We help families before, during, and after disasters to stay safe, recover faster, and hold onto hope. Isabel Gomes oversees World Vision’s emergency responses worldwide — from conflicts and refugee movements to devastating natural disasters. With decades of experience, she knows what it takes to reach vulnerable communities quickly and effectively.

“I’ve seen firsthand how preparedness changes everything. In the chaos of an emergency, it’s the difference between despair and survival,” Gomes said. “What makes our humanitarian responses truly powerful is our local teams — they know the communities, they understand the needs, and they’re often the first to act. We prepare not just with supplies, but with compassion and trust — because every life we reach matters deeply.”

For World Vision, responding immediately has been a daily reality — a commitment rooted throughout the history of our work, and continues to guide us. Scripture calls us to welcome the stranger, to stand with the displaced, to love our neighbors as ourselves. World Vision is often among the first to respond when disaster strikes. In 2024 alone, we responded to 87 disasters and humanitarian crises across 65 countries, supporting over 35 million people in emergencies.

Here’s how we help:

• Respond within 24 to 72 hours with emergency relief supplies
• Distribute food, clean water, hygiene kits, and shelter
• Provide child protection services and trauma counseling
• Support long-term recovery and community rebuilding

Thanks to decades of experience, World Vision is uniquely positioned to respond swiftly and compassionately — delivering hope when it’s most needed.

Learn more about our disaster relief work.

You can help by taking the next step with us:

• Pray for impacted families worldwide
• Give now to help people affected by disasters.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

The post How to prepare for an emergency appeared first on World Vision.

The post How World Vision helps communities prevent and treat infectious diseases appeared first on World Vision.

Tuberculosis (TB), a disease eradicated decades ago in the U.S., remains a pressing global health threat, placing a significant burden on children. Despite being preventable and treatable, TB claims the lives of over 600 children under 15 every day. The World Health Organization reported an estimated 10.8 million global TB cases in 2023, 1.3 million of those being children, emphasizing the widespread impact of this airborne infectious disease across all countries and age groups.

Every year on March 24, we observe World Tuberculosis Day, commemorating Dr. Robert Koch’s 1882 discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes tuberculosis.

Understanding TB is crucial, especially in children, where the disease develops rapidly. Here are five key facts:

1. Global impact: Children account for 11% of all TB cases, with 1.1 million new cases each year. Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) poses a substantial threat to public health security. In 2022, only about 2 in 5 people with MDR-TB accessed intensive treatment.
2. Vulnerability of younger children: Children under 5 are particularly at risk, facing rapid disease progression.
3. Challenges in diagnosis: Children’s symptoms can be non-specific, making diagnosis difficult. Conventional diagnostic tools may not be as effective in detecting pathogens in their lungs.
4. Unique immune challenges: Children are more likely than adults to develop extra-pulmonary TB, which is TB that affects organs other than the lungs.
5. Treatment and prevention: TB in children is both preventable and treatable — and children respond well to prescribed therapies.

Despite challenges, World Vision aims to improve prevention, early detection, and proper treatment through our Global Fund programs while strengthening healthcare systems. In 2023, we supported over 176,432 people through our TB programs.

Chris Huber of World Vision’s U.S. staff contributed to this article.

The post 5 facts about tuberculosis (TB) in children appeared first on World Vision.