UNICEF helping with health issues in wake of tsunami

Nearly 60 health facilities have been constructed in areas affected by the Asian tsunami of 2004, with the help of UNICEF.

The organisation released its 2007 Tsunami Report, highlighting the progress made since the tsuanmi that killed more than 200,000 and devastated communities in countries including Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand and India.

Some 59 health facilities have been completed, and construction is underway on a further 115. As well as this, more than 20,000 water points have been restored, ensuring that more than 730,000 people have access to safe water. More than 42, 000 toilets have been built.

Children from these areas have also benefited from UNICEF's psycho-social activities, and the group has helped spread awareness of HIV/AIDS to more than 330,000 people.

However, action to help those affected by the disaster is being hampered in some places. For example, violence in Sri Linka and the lack of new roads in Indonesia is hindering recovery programmes.

UNICEF explains its goals thus: "The aim is not to find quick solutions that cannot be sustained, but to build back better, involving communities and local governments in the recovery and rebuilding process."

News brought to you by Global Health TV, covering the issues of Health in the Developing world