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Press Release

Italian Donation For the Children of Democratic
Republic of Congo

$1 million contribution coincides with visit of UNICEF Executive Director

September 19 - 21

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New York, 9 August, 2001 - The Government of Italy has pledged support for the children of Democratic Republic of Congo with a donation of approximately US$1 million (2 billion Italian Lire) to UNICEF. The donation coincides with the visit of UNICEF Executive Director Carol Bellamy, who arrives in DRC this week to take part in a series of National Immunization Days. Commenting on the donation, Carol Bellamy said: "The Italian Government has shown, once again, its determination to channel resources to children in the greatest need."

Part of the donation will support the revitalisation of primary health services.

"The Italian Government has shown, once again, its determination to channel resources to children in the greatest need."
Carol Bellamy
Executive Director of UNICEF

"Support for the health services in Democratic Republic of Congo is absolutely critical at this time", said Carol Bellamy. "Around 70 per cent of people are thought to have little or no access to health care. But the health network is still in place and this, combined with the dedication of the country's health workers, provides a foundation for the rebuilding of the primary health system. The Italian contribution will assist in this rebuilding."

Italian funds will also provide support for the most vulnerable displaced and refugee children and women. Over 2 million people have been uprooted from their homes in DRC as a result of conflict, the vast majority of them women and children. UNICEF is responding with a whole range of services, including educational support for around 50,000 displaced children due to start the new school year in September.

UNICEF is appealing for a total of $15 million as part of the Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeal for DRC (January to December 2001). The Italian contribution brings the total received to $ 8 million.

Italian Government increases overall contribution to UNICEF's core funding

The Italian Government has also announced additional support to UNICEF's global work by adding approximately $ 2 million to its current year contribution to UNICEF Regular Resources, its core funding.

"Regular resources provide the seed money for our work and ensure that it can be sustained," said Carol Bellamy. "They give UNICEF staying power, and are a benchmark of long-term commitment to children's rights - a commitment demonstrated by the Government of Italy with this increased contribution".

***

For further information, please contact:

Liza Barrie, UNICEF Media, New York, (212) 326-7593, e-mail lbarrie@unicef.org
Angela Hawke, UNICEF New York, (212) 824-6565, ahawke@unicef.org