Burundi is the smallest country in Africa and is located in the east of the continent. With a population of 13.6 million people, Burundi is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Young children in Burundi are severely affected by poverty, which is exacerbated by the effects of climate change and poor healthcare. Around 62 percent suffer from multiple impairments in the areas of health, nutrition, hygiene and child protection. Every second child under the age of five suffers from chronic malnutrition, which has consequences for the child’s survival, psychomotor development and school performance. That’s why the first 1000 days are so important for newborns because this is when the foundations for health and growth are laid. For proper development, the body needs healthy, varied food, vitamins and nutrients. Care, protection and hygiene are also important. However, health care in Burundi is often inadequate, with a lack of clean water, adequate sanitation and essential medical equipment.
Die Star Weeks 2024 help ensure that fewer babies and small children are chronically malnourished and fall ill. UNICEF and its partner organizations therefore support the Burundian government with various programs in the areas of health and nutrition, but also with regard to better hygienic conditions. UNICEF also focuses on training community residents in the areas of health and nutrition. For example, the United Nations Children’s Fund trains women in the villages who explain to neighbors how to eat healthily and regularly check whether the children are properly fed. UNICEF also trains health staff in hospitals by teaching them what is known as kangaroo mother care. The mothers carry their baby with a cloth on their chest – like in a kangaroo’s pouch. Direct skin contact strengthens the baby’s immune system and balances the baby’s temperature, heart rate and breathing. In the Kayanza hospital, a premature birth center is being renovated and re-equipped, a training center is being set up and doctors and nurses are being trained. And various maternity wards will be equipped with adequate latrines and bathrooms and access to safe water will be improved.
To the Star Weeks
The Star Weeks are a joint fundraising campaign by UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein and the magazine “Schweizer Familie”. This year they are taking place for the 21st time. Since 2004, over 135,000 children have collected more than 8.5 million francs, impressively demonstrating their solidarity. On the occasion of this year’s anniversary, many well-known personalities are accompanying the children’s fundraising campaigns – including Stefanie Heinzmann, Bastian Baker, Luca and Christina Hänni, Marco KUNZ, Remo Forrer, Tina Weirather, Stefan Büsser, Andrew Bond, Sandra Studer, Bastian Baker and Rob Spence. The Star Weeks start on November 15th and last until Christmas.
There are many ways children in Switzerland and Liechtenstein can raise money. Whether selling homemade jam, making Advent wreaths or putting on theater performances, there are no limits to your imagination.
As every year, the most creative collection campaigns will be honored with the Sternenwochen Award in the Zurich Schauspielhaus.
Anyone can take part: Further information at: www.sternenwochen.ch
