The new head of the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), Ann Veneman, has urged greater efforts by wealthy nations to protect African children against HIV/AIDS.
During her tour of Southern Africa, Veneman also urged local governments and the general public to give children higher priority.
"Children are the future of the world, the future of this continent. It is so important that we have ways of keeping them healthy ... and protecting them from HIV/AIDS. Much more could be done; we all know much more could be done."
Veneman noted that the region's downward spiral in child survival could be reversed by expanding successfully implemented initiatives to prevent the spread of HIV from mother to child.
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