Philippines: Bird Flu Is a Children’s Concern, Says UNICEF

According to this article, children have a high-risk of contracting avian influenza, as they account for one-half of the reported cases and one-third of the reported deaths worldwide due to the virus. These statistics have prompted the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to educate Filipino children and adults about avian flu.

According to the article, UNICEF Philippines is embarking on an extensive advocacy campaign to increase awareness about bird flu. Funded in part by the Government of Japan, the campaign is intended to harness “extensive on-the-ground networks to deliver critical life-saving messages.” According to Nilo Yacat, an information officer from UNICEF Philippines, it is expected that by the end of the campaign: the Philippines will have an emergency communication plan in place; media reports on avian flu will have increased; and families in high-risk communities will have adopted bird flu preventative practices.