UN Launches Safe Schools, Hospitals Campaign

The United Nations launched April 9 a worldwide campaign to improve the safety of schools and hospitals and reduce the loss of lives during earthquakes, cyclones and similar natural disasters. The campaign targets 1 million schools and hospitals. It aims to mobilize resources to repair and rehabilitate school and hospital buildings, relocate vulnerable structures to safer sites, and construct better buildings as necessary.

Under the campaign, the U.N. will provide target schools with fire extinguishers, first aid kits and other safety equipment. It will also aim to increase public awareness on building safety.