EUROPE - In Cambodia almost 10% of new born babies die before they are weaned and more than 12% die before they are five years old: European Commission donates 3.5 million Euro to lower infant mortality rate

Thursday, 11 November 2004

Rome (Fides Service) - No access to clean water is one of the main factors which contribute to infant mortality in Cambodia which has the highest rate in South East Asia. Almost 10% of new born babies (98 per 1000) die while still feeding at the breast and more than 12% (124 per 1000) before they are five. To help lower the rate of infant deaths in Cambodia the European Commission will give the country 3.5 million Euro worth humanitarian aid.
The funds assigned by the Commission’s Humanitarian AID Office will go to people in zones affected by war or populated by ethnic minorities. Some 250,000 people will benefit directly over the next 18 months.
The money will be used to guarantee access to clean water, improve sanitation, dig village wells, build schools, rain water saving installations, provide courses on basic healthcare and water use, promote a vaccination campaign, train local health personnel, distribute essential medicines and promote a campaign on the importance of breastfeeding.
Since 2000 the Commission’s Humanitarian AID Office has assigned 26 million Euro to Cambodia for health aid, provide access to clean water and eliminate anti-personnel mines. (AP) (11/11/2004 Agenzia Fides; Righe:23 Parole:258)


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