On the World Autism Awareness Day, which falls on 2 April, the United NationsChildren's Fund (UNICEF) has announced to provide assistance to more than18,000 children with intellectual disabilities in Myanmar within this year.

"UNICEF's 2024 goal is to provide the necessarysupport and assistance to more than 18,000 children with disabilities andintellectual disabilities," said an official  statement, adding thatevery child has the right to reside in an environment that acknowledges andembraces their differences.

"In 2023, UNICEF was able to provide support to meet the needs of 1,720children with intellectual disabilities or special needs," stated UNICEFMyanmar.

UNICEF collaborated with partner organizations likethe United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and European Union (EU) to provide life-saving water, sanitation, and hygieneservices to more than 600,000 conflict-affected individuals, including 200,000children.

It aims to extend coverage to 850,000 people in 2024,added the statement.