In September 2008, UNICEF Ireland and Fyffes announced a corporate philanthropy partnership. The five year partnership funds UNICEF’s work in Mozambique combating the spread of malaria amongst orphaned and other vulnerable children.
Spread over five years Fyffes funding will help prevent the spread of malaria amongst orphaned and other vulnerable children in Mozambique through the distribution of mosquito nets and the support of health facilities and community projects.
UNICEF Ireland Ambassador Ryan Tubridy and some little helpers from Swords Educate Together School are photographed here announcing Fyffes corporate partnership with UNICEF Ireland.
In 2009 alone, 80% of exposed population groups in six provinces will be assured of prompt malaria treatment.
It is currently estimated that about 36,000 children under the age of five will die each year (about one child every fifteen minutes) in the country as a result of malaria alone.
Melanie Verwoerd, Executive Director of UNICEF Ireland, says “In Mozambique, 1.6 million orphans face an uncertain future. 2007 saw both major floods and a cyclone that devastated the region. Poverty, made worse by natural disaster leaves these children even more vulnerable to the spread of disease. Thanks to Fyffes tens of thousands of children will have a better chance of survival."
Thanks to Fyffes’ funding, in 2009 alone at least 80 per cent of vulnerable population groups (HIV-positive children, children under five years of age, pregnant women and orphaned and vulnerable children) in six provinces of Mozambique are ensured prompt malaria treatment and protection from malaria, through the distribution of mosquito nets, the support of health facilities and community projects.