Monday, June 23, 2014

2mn African kids under age of 5 die annually: UN



The UN says some two million kids under five die each year in Central and West Africa over poor hygiene.




The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said on Sunday that the figure makes up almost a third of all deaths worldwide in that age range.



Due to the large population growth in Africa, “the number of children under five who die every year from preventable causes remains unchanged” at two million in spite of progress in reducing child mortality, said UNICEF Regional Director for West and Central Africa Manuel Fontaine.



Fontaine also added that the situation is gradually improving through planning.


He noted that the best solution to the problem lies in improved education on health and hygiene alongside family planning.


In addition to health problems, several populated and impoverished regions of Africa are reportedly hit by consecutive severe food crises due to drought, affecting women and children particularly.


This situation has continued unabated, despite warnings by charity groups and their demand for further donations to help resolve the problem. Several charity groups have also urged world powers to take action.


MSM/MAM/AS



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