February 11, 2002
THE United Nation's Children's Fund (Unicef) has received more than US$3 million (Z$165 million) since January for the welfare of children countrywide. The financial boost came at a time when children throughout the country are facing hunger and starvation because of the current food crisis. The United Kingdom's Department for International Development donated US$1 602 720 towards a feeding programme for the starving children.
About 200 000 children under five in Mount Darwin, Buhera, Gokwe North, Chirumanzu and Mudzi have so far benefited from the programme in which the European Commission also donated US$186 000.
The Swedish International Development Agency (Sida) released US$734 985, while the Unicef United Kingdom National Committee (UK NatCom) contributed US$562 500.
The money from Sida is to improve the welfare of children orphaned by HIV/Aids and those facing other problems, while funds from UK Natcom would be used to support health and immunisation programmes.
Norway donated US$149 665 which would be used to improve access to safe water and good sanitation in some rural areas. A donation of US$100 380 from the Netherlands would be directed towards Unicef's health programmes.
Dr Festo Kavishe, Unicef's representative in Harare, said the donations would help improve the lives of the disadvantaged children. "I would like to thank all those who have donated money for the children's welfare in this country, particularly during this period of emergency," Kavishe. "I hope that they will continue to support the welfare of children in this country and always put children first."
He, however, appealed for more funds for the children's feeding scheme. Unicef has appealed for a further US$4,5 million to pay for its current activities of assisting in health, nutrition, education, protection from HIV/Aids and support for those already affected
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