Unicef in Papua New Guinea: Malnutrition Prevention

As the fleet heads back into the Roaring Forties, this time venturing further south than on any other race, Unicef is working in many countries in the region to help children grow up happy, healthy and strong.

The race’s Official Charity is tackling malnutrition in Papua New Guinea, where one child in 13 dies before their fifth birthday. Malnutrition is the underlying cause of the majority of these deaths.

Leo, pictured above, and his twin Rosslyn, were treated for severe malnutrition at Port Moresby General Hospital in Papua New Guinea.

They were in hospital for six weeks and without urgent care it is unlikely they would have survived.

Nearly half of all children in the country are affected by malnutrition, which affects not only their growth but also their future health and life chances.

Unicef supplies life-saving food to Port Moresby Hospital and other hospitals around the country to help keep children like Leo and Rosslyn alive.

The charity also works with the government in Papua New Guinea to address the causes of malnutrition and improve treatment for children.

Your support can help put an end to hunger and ensure every child gets the nutrition they need. Unicef works to keep children safe in more than 190 countries and won’t stop until the world is a safe place for every child.

Watch the video here.

To learn more about Unicef and show your support, click here.

The Clipper Race fleet is due to arrive in Sydney on completion of Race 4: Elliot Brown Timekeeper Cup between 12-15 December.

Photo credit: © UNICEF/UK14-1845/Alcock