UN children's agency sets $9.9 bn fundraising goal for 2025

The UN children's agency on Wednesday launched a $9.9 billion fundraising appeal to provide aid next year for millions of young people impacted by wars and other crises across the globe.

"The scale of children's humanitarian needs is at a historically high level, with more children impacted every day," Catherine Russell, UNICEF executive director, said in a statement.

The money will target 109 million children and will support access to primary healthcare facilities, mental health services, drinking water and education, malnutrition screening and gender-based violence mitigation.

"Looking ahead to 2025, we estimate that 213 million children in 146 countries and territories will need humanitarian assistance over the course of the year -- a staggeringly high number," Russell added.

UNICEF's appeal comes at a time when humanitarian operations face a chronic funding crisis.

Last year, the agency appealed for $9.3 billion in its fundraising call.

The largest appeal for funds -- at over $1 billion -- is for Afghanistan, followed by Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Palestinian territories, and Lebanon.