Star Weeks: Children helping children
Madagascar. Children are helping children to stop hunger in the south of Madagascar.
Madagascar is particularly affected by climate change. The island, which is otherwise known for its unique flora and fauna, is experiencing its worst drought in forty years. The south is particularly affected, with small-scale farmers no longer able to grow anything and many families suffering from hunger. Star Weeks 2022 collected donations for girls and boys affected by food shortages. Half a million children under the age of five are at risk of acute malnutrition in southern Madagascar, with 110,000 of them suffering from severe acute malnutrition. These children are in urgent need of medical assistance.
With its Star Weeks campaign, UNICEF helps to ensure that severely acutely malnourished infants have access to medical care and specialized food. The infants are examined and weighed in mobile and static health centers. Affected parents and caregivers receive support, and children and young people are educated about healthy nutrition.
Star Weeks: Children helping children
Displaying a great deal of commitment, creativity and wit, around 4,500 children took part in Star Weeks again in 2022. They set up their Christmas stands and sold painted cups, homemade jam, guardian angels, matchboxes, punch and pastries, presented a play, danced in the streets and ran many kilometers.
