UNICEF: Child Health and Sanitation Week in Pakistan

TAKHTBAI, Pakistan, 5 May 2008 -- In the remote town of Takhtbai in the North West Frontier Province, people took to the streets recently in a march to raise awareness during Pakistan's biannual Child Health and Sanitation Week.

In the course of the week, events to reduce child deaths and disease by promoting better health, sanitation and hygiene practices were launched in six districts across the country. Activities included the provision of free immunization and deworming services for children, as well as information about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, oral rehydration salts to treat diarrhoeal dehydration, and safe drinking water.

"In my family and the community, there have been deaths of children because of diarrhoea and other diseases," said 36-year-old Javeda Iqbal, a mother of three. "When we hear about them we really get scared. We are looking for more sources of information so we can try and prevent these deaths."

To read the full story, visit: http://www.unicef.org/videoaudio/ramfiles/7703h_pakistanchildhealth.ram

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• UNICEF
• Pakistan
• health
• sanitation
• children

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