MOZAMBIQUE: UNICEF urges greater AIDS action

The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) has expressed concern over the impact of HIV/AIDS on the Mozambican youth, ahead of celebrations to mark the 'Day of the African Child' on 16 June.

UNICEF Resident Representative Leila Pakkala said the pandemic was not only "devastating" the country, but also affecting more children.

The South African Press Association quoted Pakkala as saying, "More than one million children and young people under the age of eighteen are either living with the virus, caring for HIV-positive parents or other close family members, or have lost one or both parents to the pandemic."

Mozambique's National Statistics Institute has noted that of the 97,000 people who died from AIDS-related illnesses in 2004, more than 17,000 were children.

Theme (s): Care/Treatment - PlusNews,

[This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations]