UNICEF launches fund-raising campaign to aid children in Peru

"The programs we have, such as this campaign, aim to improve living conditions of 4.5 million children under 17, namely nutrition, health, education and protection of rights," Paul Martin, UNICEF representative in Peru, said.

Organizers hope to collect at least 545,000 U.S. dollars in this fourth consecutive year.

Martin said money raised this year will be used for programs on cutting the neonatal mortality rate, projects that reduce anemia by distribution of multi-nutrients, and programs against child abuse.

The campaign seeks to eradicate the sexual exploitation of children, and strengthen education in Spanish and native languages of the most remote parts of Peru.

Between 1996 and 2009, child mortality in Peru fell 20 from 43 out of 1,000 live births, while malnutrition among children below 5 dropped to 18 percent in 2009 from 25 percent in 2000, UNICEF said.

According to the National Institute of Statistics and Information, Peru has 10 million minors aged below 17, which represents one-third of the population, with 45 percent living either in poverty or extreme poverty. Kazinform cites Xinhua. See www.xinhuanet.com