Date Published: 6 June 2008

UNICEF News about health drive targeting two million children in Malawi

A major health campaign is underway in Malawi aiming to reach two million children with Vitamin A supplements and de-worming tablets.

Thousands of volunteers and health surveillance assistants across the country’s 28 districts plan to deliver these essential health supplies and educate parents on preventive health care needs.

“It is not acceptable that we still have children dying from malaria, malnutrition, and diarrhoea. This has to end, ” said Health Minister Khumbo Kachali at the official launch of the campaign this week.

Malawi is one of a handful of countries in sub-Saharan Africa that are on course to achieve the Millennium Development Goal of reducing under-five mortality by two-thirds. This campaign is a key strategy to reaching the MDG target by 2015.

Malawi has received international recognition in the last few years for its efforts to reduce under-five mortality, from 221 in 1990 to 120 in 2006.

According to the Malawi Micronutrient Survey, Vitamin A deficiency is prevalent in 59% of pre-school children. Children that lack Vitamin A have decreased resistance to illnesses, are more likely to become blind and suffer from impaired performance in class and in sports.

“The Child Health Campaign is therefore a key strategy to increase the coverage of Vitamin A supplementation and reach every child with this important intervention,” said UNICEF Representative Ms. Aida Girma.

In addition to Vitamin supplementation and deworming, the campaign will focus on behaviour change in areas, such as, infant and young child feeding, improved hygiene, and the use of insecticide treated bed nets.

About UNICEF
UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

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