UNICEF UNVEILS NEARLY $2 MILLION SCHEME TO FIGHT MALNUTRITION IN NIGERIA

The head of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) today pledged nearly $2 million to shore up nutrition in Nigeria to stem child mortality in the African nation.

The $1.85 million scheme, which will augment <"http://www.unicef.org/media/media_50504.html">UNICEF nutrition programmes already in place, will support community-based feeding stations where families can bring children to receive preventative and curative assistance.

"Lack of essential health services, malnutrition, inadequate access to clean water and basic sanitation contribute to high rates of child mortality," said UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman in the Nigerian city of Abuja, launching the project.

"Through close cooperation among the Government of Nigeria and religious and traditional leaders, there is hope," added Ms. Veneman, who recently wrapped up a visit to the northern states of Kebbi and Sokoto.

In Kebbi, she took part in the launch on 31 July of Nigeria's first-ever National Child Health Week, during which some 30 million youngsters were expected to be immunized against preventable diseases such as polio, which is contracted through contaminated food, water and faeces and mainly affects children under the age of five. Nigeria is one of only four polio-endemic countries in the world and the only endemic country in Africa.

During her four-day visit to Nigeria, one of only four polio-endemic countries in the world and the only endemic country in Africa, she also announced UNICEF's allocation of more than $5 million to efforts to eradicate the disease.

Insecticide-treated bednets are also being handed out to curb the spread of malaria, the number one killer of under-five children in Nigeria.

"Knowledge is key," Ms. Veneman stressed, underscoring that if communities understand the importance of basic hygiene, "child deaths can be reduced and girls and boys can be given a healthier start in life."

National Child Health Weeks will be held twice a year in Nigeria – Africa's most populous country with nearly 150 million people, most of whom live in poverty – in close cooperation with the Government.