Guinea

Health campaign critical to child survival in Guinea
CONAKRY, Guinea, 07 January 2010 - Statistics are showing that the health situation for children in Guinea has been worsening.
With an under-five mortality rate of about one in seven, Guinea ranks among the 20 countries that are statistically most dangerous for children. Ninety out of every 1,000 infants under age one die each year in the country, and about one in every 19 women will die of maternal causes in their lifetime. .

In 2007 and 2008, Guinea was polio-free, but, this year, World Health Organization officials have recorded 37 confirmed cases between May and December 2009.  A recent global study on measles also found that while measles cases had dropped significantly in the last decade, a resurgence in countries like Guinea is likely if immunization efforts are not sustained.
Partnerships for children’s needs
Recently, an Integrated Health Campaign was launched in Guinea. It was the first campaign that combined distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets with immunization against measles, distribution of vitamin A and de-worming to children under five years of age. Post partum women (0-2 months following the birth of the baby) were also given Vitamin A.

Focus on education

Education

The literacy rate of Guinea is one of the lowest in the world: in 2003 it was estimated that only 29.5% of adults were literate (42.6% of males and 18.1% of females).[46] Primary education is compulsory for 8 years, but most children do not attend for so long, and many do not go to school at all. In 1999, primary school attendance was 40 percent.Children, particularly girls, are kept out of school in order to assist their parents with domestic work or agriculture.

CONAKRY, Guinea, 11 May 2010 - Internationally acclaimed actress and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Mia Farrow has completed a five-day mission to Guinea ahead of next month’s presidential elections.
Lack of investment in education
Education was...