UNICEF launches tetanus campaign in Madagascar

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UNICEF launches tetanus campaign in Madagascar

Posted: 2008/08/02

From: MNN

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has launched a tetanus campaign

in rural Madagascar, one of the few countries in the world that has not yet

eliminated maternal and neonatal tetanus, a UN press release said Thursday.

UNITED NATIONS, July 31 (Xinhua) -- " Death due to tetanus is painful, " said

UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman who had just wrapped up her visit

to the Indian Ocean country.

" One visit to the local health center for a simple immunization can help

save a baby's life, " she said.

Neonatal tetanus, which is preventable through a vaccination given to the

mother before she gives birth, currently has an incidence rate of about 5 to

7 per cent among all newborn babies.

During her visit to Madagascar, Veneman also called on all families to

register their children at birth, ensuring they have access to basic health

services and education. As many as 25 per cent of Malagasy children are not

registered.

UNICEF warned that children without birth certificates are also more

vulnerable to sexual exploitation, early marriage and child labor.