UNICEF, MILF to immunize children in conflict areas

Thousands of children in war-torn areas in the south will receive immunization and vitamin supplements under a landmark program of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

UNICEF country representative Dr. Nicholas Alipui said the program is a step "towards reducing disparity in access to basic social services" in the Philippines, particularly in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

"We are building bridges that will help consolidate peace and development as we work together to bring about more investments in programs for children," he said during the program’s launch yesterday.

The event was also attended by UNICEF national ambassador and singer Gary Valenciano and vocalist of the band Bamboo.

Under the program, UNICEF and the MILF will conduct three rounds of "Days of Peace," during which health workers will deliver these health-care services to the barangays.

The first round started yesterday with some 30,000 infants targeted to receive immunization against preventable diseases. Some 150,000 children were also slated to get de-worming medicines and Vitamin A supplement.

Some 16,500 pregnant mothers, on the other hand, are getting tetanus toxoid vaccination and breastfeeding counseling.

The beneficiaries were residents of 707 barangays known as conflict areas, are hard to reach and with sufficient population of children and women.