UNICEF MESSAGE
Just like any cricket fan I am concerned about figures. But in my case
it is not about batting averages. It is all about what is happening
to children in South Asia, the home to cricket legends and a quarter
of the world’s young people.
The scorecard is dismal. One in three child deaths in the world
occur in South Asia and the region has half of the global total of
malnourished children.
Poverty, ignorance, gender inequality and social disparities make
childhood for millions a battle for survival.
That is why I am so happy that the Asian Cricket Council is a partner
with UNICEF in South Asia.
Education is key. Inroads must be made into the number of girls
not receiving an education. They are future mothers and caregivers.
Ignorance is lethal.
Similarly we need to halt the threat of HIV and AIDS. In 2005 an
estimated 36,000 children aged 14 or under were infected in South
Asia.
The ACC is supporting UNICEF’s Global ‘Unite for Children’ Campaign
to combat the effects on children and limit further spread as well
as regional efforts to raise awareness about the need to get girls
into schools.
Cricket in Asia is lending its considerable weight to efforts for
children. Your awareness can help too. Join the team and find out
more!
www.unicef.org
Good luck and best wishes
Cecilia Lotse
UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia.
Related stories:
UNICEF AND THE ACC FIELD FOR CHILDREN
UNICEF AND THE ACC IN ACCORD
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