Country: Syrian Arab Republic Sources: UN Children’s Fund, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs After years of displacement, Afraa, a mother of four, returned home to Latmana in Hama only to find her house destroyed. With her family now living in a tent and relying on unstable daily labour, meeting basic needs was a constant struggle. What little money they had was spent on staple foods, leaving no room for fruit, vegetables, or protein. For Rajaa, the youngest, this was especially concerning during a critical stage of growth. With support from the OCHA-managed UN Global Emergency Fund (CERF), UNICEF provided cash assistance and nutrition support to vulnerable families. For Afraa, this meant she could buy more nutritious food and improve her children’s diet. ‘The moment I saw my girl strong, able to walk and play, and gaining weight, I was extremely happy,’ she said. Alongside cash support, Afraa received guidance on infant feeding and nutrition, helping her better support her daughter’s development. Across Syria, three out of four children under two lack access to the diverse diet they need. Integrated cash and nutrition programmes help families meet immediate food needs while protecting children from malnutrition and supporting long-term wellbeing. Since the beginning of 2025, UNICEF has reached nearly 87,000 people through its broader Integrated Social Protection Cash+ programme. This support helps ensure that vulnerable children receive the care they need to grow and thrive. Thanks to funding support through CERF, families like Afraa’s are improving their children’s health, rebuilding their lives and regaining hope for the future. Read more about how CERF is supporting vulnerable families in Syria: https://www.unicef.org/syria/stories/nourishing-hope-after-displacement Posted April 2026. Pooled Fund impact stories