UNICEF Executive Director tours programmes in Madagascar

On the first-ever visit by a UNICEF Executive Director to Madagascar, Ann M. Veneman this week accompanied senior government officials to regions recovering from Cyclone Ivan, which struck the island nation in February.
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The three-day visit allowed Veneman an opportunity to see UNICEFÂ’s reconstruction work as well as ongoing programmes in a country that has made strides in decreasing child mortality. In a meeting with President H.E. Marc Ravalomanana, she discussed the countryÂ’s objectives in improving access to safe water and sanitation.

Veneman also delivered an appeal to families to register their children at birth and launched a tetanus campaign along with the Minister of Health, Dr. Ralainirina Paul Richard. Madagascar is one of nine countries in Eastern and Southern Africa that have not yet eliminated maternal and neonatal tetanus.
Learn more about Ann M. VenemanÂ’s trip.

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