TBD
Climate change hits children, poor says UNICEF Chief
Wrapping up a three day visit to the West African nation of Mali, UNICEF's Executive Director drew attention to the negative impact of climate change on children, the poor and vulnerable.
Ann Veneman
As part of her visit, Ann Veneman visited Timbuktu, a city in the semi-arid Sahel region, which has been severely affected by climate change.
The city's branches of the Niger River have dried up due to drought and much of the land has become arid and unable to yield crops.
In Mali, over half the population lives below the poverty line, and one in five children do not live to see their fifth birthday. Many die because of preventable diseases that are exacerbated by malnutrition.
In meetings with President Amadou Toumani Toure, the UNICEF Chief discussed a bilateral cooperation to improve children's health and rights in that African nation.
Jocelyne Sambira, United Nations
(duration: 53")
