UNICEF announced that Japan will donate US$189.5 million from its supplementary budget for a wide range of programmes in 35 developing countries and territories. Over 80 per cent of the support will go toward 29 African countries; the remainder is earmarked for Afghanistan and five nations and territories in the Middle East, including Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon affected by the Syrian conflict. UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake said, “This extraordinary donation from the Japanese government and the people of Japan is a measure of their deep humanity. Their contribution will help transform the lives of millions of children enduring conflict and hardship. Even when times are tough at home, the generosity of the Japanese is not diminished. US$189.5 million is not only a very large number. It is polio vaccines, seats in classrooms, anti-retroviral drugs, clean water and so much more. The Japanese people should be very proud of making such a difference.”

http://www.unicef.org/media/media_68197.html