UNICEF all set to wind up from Tsunami-hit A

Port Blair, May 19 (UNI) UNICEF has announced to pack up from Andaman and Nicobar Islands after a post-tsunami support operation in the remote archipelago for more than 28 months.

''We are quite satisfied with the activities of UNICEF in these islands for ensuring health and nutrition, enhancing education standard, providing clean water and sanitation and ensuring child protection but now we feel it's time to move on,'' Eimar Barr, Director, Programme, UNICEF said here.

Addressing a press conference last night, Barr said an amount of 5.7 million dollar had been spent in these tsunami-hit islands by UNICEF, which was collected from various contributions.

'' For two reasons, we are leaving from these islands. First we have other priorities in several other states of India and second we have spent our entire fund for the overall development of tsunami-hit island effectively,'' he said.

UNICEF started working in these islands from January 2005, one month after the tsunami disaster following request of the Centre.

'' We have set great standards in these islands without actions and activities. We have trained manpower and leaving behind a legacy hope local administration continues with that, '' the Director, Programme, said.

Besides, UNICEF had established institutions like Central Surveillance Laboratory (CSL) and international standard Sick and Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) in these islands.

'' To bring normalcy in the disaster-struck communities we have provided 455 tents for reopening schools and 19900 sets of twin seating desks benches. We have trained 700 teachers in child centered and activity based learning, '' said Subhash Mishra, Incharge of UNICEF in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Mr Mishra said before deciding to pack up discussion took place with almost all the tribal captains, and the decision had been taken after their consent.

However, UNICEF promised that link with the government would be maintained and technical support like training of personnel would be provided , if asked for.

The organisation also prepared to provide design for research in malnutrition among the children in the islands, if any organisation planned to do so.

UNI