UNICEF provides $3 million for Mozambican children affected by food crisis

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is to provide $3 million in additional support for its child nutrition programmes in Mozambique, Executive Director Ann M. Veneman announced as she wrapped up a three-day visit to the country.

“An estimated 41 per cent of children in Mozambique suffer from chronic malnutrition,” Ms. Veneman said on Friday. “These resources will help children and their families who are at high nutritional risk.”

UNICEF says that Mozambique is one of the leading examples in Africa of effective post-conflict reconstruction and economic recovery. The country has experienced an eight per cent average annual economic growth in recent years.

The under-five child mortality rate in Mozambique has been reduced by 42 per cent since 1990. It is one of the few developing countries to experience a significant decline in maternal mortality, putting the country on track to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) targets on child and maternal mortality.

However, UNICEF warns that this progress is threatened by rising food prices as well as the AIDS pandemic.

Ms. Veneman travelled to Sofala, a province with one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the country. While there, she visited a community obstetric care facility and programmes for children made vulnerable by AIDS.

During her visit to the country, Ms. Veneman met with the President of Mozambique, Armando Guebuza, Prime Minister Luisa Diogo and senior government officials. They discussed continuing socio-economic progress and current challenges.