MANILA, Philippines- Hindi bababa s 14 milyong bata ang nahaharap sa gutom at matinding banta ng malnutrisyon o pagkamatay ngayong taon, babala ng UNICEF nitong Miyerkules, sa pagtapyas ng major international donors tulad ng United States ng aid budgets.
Hinimok ng United Nations children’s agency ang mga pamahalaan at philanthropic institutions na magbigay sa Child Nutrition Fund nito upang labanan ang pagkagutom.
Sinabi ni UNICEF executive director Catherine Russell na malaki na ang naging pag-usad sa pagbawas sa kagutuman sa pagsisimula ng siglo, subalit maaari umanong mawala agad ang progresong ito.
“Good nutrition is the foundation of child survival and development, with impressive returns on investment,” aniya, sa pahayag ng UNICEF.
“Dividends will be measured in stronger families, societies and countries, and a more stable world,” wika ni Russell.
Babala ni Russell, 14 milyong bata “are expected to face disruptions to nutrition support and services” this year.
“The funding crisis comes at a time of unprecedented need for children who continue to face record levels of displacement, new and protracted conflicts, disease outbreaks, and the deadly consequences of climate change,” giit ni Russell. RNT/SA
