Canada commits 46.5 million dollars in aid for Africa

Feb 22, 2006 (OTTAWA) — Canada will contribute 46.5 million dollars to help children in need in Africa, officials announced.

The funds will be distributed through UNICEF to improve the health and survival of children, primarily in Ethiopia.

“The world has made incredible strides over the past five decades to ensure that children grow up strong and healthy,” said International Cooperation Minister Josee Verner.

“Yet every day, 29,000 children under the age of five still die from preventable causes. We cannot allow this to continue.”

Nineteen million dollars will be spent on health and nutrition, including the annual or semi-annual distribution of Vitamin A.

Some 17.5 million dollars will be used for measles immunization, pneumonia and diarrhea treatments, and other health and nutrition programs in Ethiopia.

Nine million dollars will go to buying 1.2 million long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets to help protect families against malaria in Ethiopia.

“Each year in Africa, millions of children under five die from malaria, pneumonia, measles, and other preventable illnesses,” Verner said.

“Canada is committed to global child survival and health-not just today, but every day. We will continue to be a lead donor to reduce child deaths in developing nations.”

(ST/AFP)