Created in 1946 to help children after the war, this fund was formed within the United Nations (UN). The letters match United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund.
The organization now presents itself as the United Nations Children’s Fund and kept the same letters. UNICEF works on child health, nutrition, education, and emergency relief.
Postwar Origin
The fund began as help for children after the war. That history remains in the original expansion, which names an international children’s emergency fund tied to the United Nations.
The Name Used Today
The public name dropped the words international and emergency. The short form did not change, so both names refer to the same organization.
- Original letters. They match United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund.
- Public name now. The organization presents itself as the United Nations Children’s Fund.
- Same short form. The letters stayed in place when the public name changed.
Areas of Work
Work with children is grouped into four areas.
| Work Area | What It Covers |
| Health | Care focused on keeping children well. |
| Nutrition | Food and feeding support so children can grow. |
| Education | Schooling and learning for children. |
| Emergency Relief | Help for children during an emergency. |