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UNICEF UK & The Hunter Foundation Partner In Northern Uganda
The Hunter Foundation ("THF") is to partner UNICEF to support children affected by war and poverty in Kitgum, northern Uganda.
The commitment from THF has been brokered in a unique agreement that will see THF's £1m Tsunami commitment fulfilled by UNICEF UK whilst their £1m will now go to an area where children's lives have been blighted by war for the past 19 years. THF will support activities aimed at ensuring the wellbeing of children in Kitgum district, many of whom live in camps or make a nightly trek from the countryside to the town to seek refuge.
Commenting Ewan Hunter, chief executive of THF stated;
"When we entered into discussions with UNICEF on the Tsunami it became very apparent that our funds would be better invested in Africa where, in real terms, a man-made Tsunami hits every week. UNICEF has agreed to invest £1m in a schools rebuilding programme in Asia and our £1m will now divert to Africa. This is a pragmatic response to dire need.
"Kitgum can only be described as tragic - imagine if our children were having to live through this. Our funding is tiny but we are confident with the strategy we have jointly agreed with UNICEF it will make a substantive difference to as many lives as possible."
Kitgum, will be the focus of a major investment over the coming year to provide health services, education, safe water, shelter and protection to children and women living in camps for "Internally Displaced People" ("IDP") and to its child "night commuters".
David Bull, Executive Director, UNICEF UK noted:
"The protracted crisis in northern Uganda has had a devastating impact on the very survival and well-being of children. The funding from The Hunter Foundation is vital for the children of Kitgum. Together, we are working to ensure that these children no longer suffer from malnutrition and disease or fear violence and abduction. With The Hunter Foundation, we will work to create a protective environment where children can flourish and achieve their full potential."
In Northern Uganda the four worst affected districts of Gulu, Kitgum, Lira and Pader are currently home to a total 1.3 million people who have fled their homes (IDPs), 80% of whom are children and women. These 1.3 million people are currently accommodated in 122 camps, where social indicators reveal that the situation for children is desperate.
Infant and under-five mortality rates are estimated at 88 and 152 per 1,000 live births, respectively, and malnutrition is an underlying factor in more than half of all under-five deaths annually. Severe malnutrition rates range between 5% and 10%. Morbidity and mortality rates from other common childhood illnesses are equally high, with malaria, diarrhoea, measles and pneumonia being among the top of the list.
The district of Kitgum has a population of 290,000, with close to 280,000 people (98%) living in its 18 IDP camps.
Although Kitgum shares the problems of the other affected districts it has become apparent that things have become even more critical in this district. A recent assessment revealed that 46% of children in Kitgum had malaria; 31% had diarrhoea; and 40% were suffering from pneumonia. Less than half of the population in Kitgum has access to basic health services within five kilometres walking distance, and that the current doctor/population ratio is 1 to 33,000 while the nurse/population ratio is 1 to 6,800 and the midwife/population ratio is 1 to7,443.
Funding is now agreed and THF will visit Kitgum with UNICEF to mark the initiation of the programme and to work on ensuring the programme has a lasting impact in late July.
UNICEF UK & The Hunter Foundation Partner In Northern Uganda (37.9k)
