Ryan Tubridy, UNICEF Ireland’s newest ambassador, and some little helpers from Swords Educate Together School announce Fyffes corporate philanthropy partnership with UNICEF Ireland.
Fyffes supporting UNICEF
Fyffes are supporting UNICEF to help combat the spread of malaria in Mozambique
- Spread over five years Fyffes funding will help prevent the spread of malaria amongst orphaned and other vulnerable children in Mozambique through the distribution of mosquito nets and the support of health facilities and community projects
- In 2009 alone, 80% of exposed population groups in six provinces will be assured of prompt malaria treatment
The five year partnership between UNICEF Ireland and Fyffes will fund UNICEF’s work in Mozambique combating the spread of malaria amongst orphaned and other vulnerable children. It is currently estimated that about 36,000 children under the age of five will die each year (about one child every fifteen minutes) in the country as a result of malaria alone.
Melanie Verwoerd, Executive Director of UNICEF Ireland, says “In Mozambique, 1.6 million orphans face an uncertain future. 2007 saw both major floods and a cyclone that devastated the region. Poverty, made worse by natural disaster leaves these children even more vulnerable to the spread of disease. Malaria remains the primary heath problem across many countries in Africa and is the principal cause of death amongst children in Mozambique. Thanks to Fyffes tens of thousands of children will have a better chance of survival."
David McCann, Chairman of Fyffes plc, says of the partnership: “Fyffes is proud to support UNICEF Ireland in its work to combat the spread of malaria amongst children in Mozambique. For over 120 years, Fyffes has procured tropical fruits from the developing world and has always been very conscious of its social responsibilities to those regions. Effective aid distribution is a highly specialised skill which encompasses many disciplines (medical, logistic, political etc) and is most effective when performed by an organisation with an unsurpassable track record – such as UNICEF. It is therefore a matter of great pride for us to be able to provide funding to support their critical work in Mozambique. We hope you will agree and show your support for this initiative.”
Thanks to Fyffes’ funding, in 2009 alone at least 80 per cent of vulnerable population groups (HIV-positive children, children under five years of age, pregnant women and orphaned and vulnerable children) in six provinces are ensured prompt malaria treatment and protection from malaria, through the distribution of mosquito nets, the support of health facilities and community projects.
Please click on the brochure below to find out more about the 'Fyffes supporting UNICEF' partnership
