Unicef aid for health program

SEMARANG: The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (Unicef) donated Rp 10 billion (about US$1.4 million) for the health improvement of people living in 10 small towns in Central Java, Antara reported.

Widodo Suhartoyo, project officer of Unicef Central Java, said here on Monday that the fund would be used for various health programs including the reduction of postnatal death rates.

Central Java recorded 362 deaths in every 100,000 deliveries, which is one of the highest figures in the country.

A total of 500 mothers and babies will have prenatal health checks in every town which includes Rembang, Pati, Magelang, Wonosobo, Banjarnegara, Banyumas, Cilacap, Pemalang, Karanganyar and Brebes regency.

The program will include rejuvenation of health community centers with the recruitment of volunteers to educate people on health issues and development of technical aid to manufacture low cost lavatories. (06)