The UNICEF representation in the Central African Republic has just published their monthly report for June 2008. It contains an excellent overview on the current humanitarian, political and security situation, as well as a description of UNICEF’s projects in CAR.

Here is the summary:

• CAR is placed on the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission’s agenda
• Peace agreement signed between the CAR government, APRD and UFDR
• The UN Fund grants UNICEF US$5.8million to purchase 740,000 mosquito nets
• UNICEF signs new agreements with COOPI, IMC, IPHD, IRC and Merlin
• Mass vaccination campaign against Yellow Fever is held in northwestern CAR
• International Day of the African Child is celebrated
• The construction of 404 latrines is completed in northern CAR
• Current UNICEF appeal funded at just 29%

Click here to download the report (PDF - 1.2MB)

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There is no country in the world where mothers are more likely to die during or immediately after their pregnancy than the Central African Republic. According to the latest national statistics, 1,355 out of 100,000 mothers die while or after giving birth. In comparision, only 7 out of 100,000 mothers die in the UK, 540 in India and 1,100 in Malawi. The photos below show mothers and their children in the remote Vakaga region of the CAR, where the state cannot provide any reproductive health care.

Click here or on the photo for more images

© UNICEF | Pierre Holtz