UNICEF emergency supplies for the victims of the South Asia earthquake, stockpiled in Copenhagen, Denmark

The United Nations children's fund, UNICEF, says it is essential that children affected by last week's South Asian earthquake receive proper medical care, food and shelter.

UNICEF says that one week after the disaster, the focus of relief teams has changed from rescue efforts to providing urgent assistance to survivors.

It says, among other things, that children may need assistance in dealing with the psychological trauma they have suffered.

Boy with open wound on his forehead waits to be attended to by doctors in Balakot

The U.N. agency says it is working with the Pakistani Ministry of Social Welfare on protective measures for children who are separated from their families or orphaned.

It says even children who have come under the care of extended families may need assistance in the form of food, water and psychological aid.