Directed by Jonathan Allen and Alex Gabbay and filmed in Benin, Malawi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Africa?s Child introduces some of the key issues involved in child survival in sub-Saharan African countries - and highlights the work that UNICEF and its partners are doing to promote often simple, cost-effective interventions that can help halt child mortality across the continent. In Malawi - one of the poorest countries in Africa - the film shows the remarkable progress achieved by the Malawian government in cutting under-five child deaths by promoting exclusive breastfeeding, improved child nutrition and hygiene and sanitation. In the West African country of Benin, President Yayi Boni demonstrates the vital role governments can play in pushing for higher child survival rates when he launches a nationwide campaign to distribute mosquito nets, vitamin A drops and de-worming tablets to families across the country. In the DRC, the film underlines the tragic consequences that ongoing civil conflict, displaced communities and sexual violence have on survival prospects for young children.
Conceived by renowned African filmmakers from across the continent, filmed on location in Benin, Burkina Faso, DR Congo, Mozambique, Malawi, Nigeria and South Africa, these dramas and documentaries lend an artist’s view to the work undertaken to help countries accelerate progress on child survival across Africa.
