SIR: As many people in this area supported UNICEF's appeal for North Korea recently, I thought they might be interested to hear how our work to save the lives of children suffering from malnutrition is progressing.

I recently returned from two months in North Korea, which has been seriously affected by an acute food shortage due to a series of floods and a severe drought in 1997. I am pleased to say that I saw supplies of high-energy milk, medical equipment and winter clothing being delivered to nurseries, kindergartens and children's centres around the country.

In one centre I saw children who were suffering from malnutrition receiving UNICEF high-energy milk and saw the visible improvements in their health after only one month. One little boy, less than three years old, couldn't stand up when I first met him because he was so weak. A month later he was strong enough to stand on his feet.

Despite UNICEF's efforts, much still needs to be done. We estimate that many children remain at risk because they have little resistance to skin sores and infection. They also need to be provided with safe drinking water so they don't fall prey to diarrhoea. I hope that in view of their past generosity, some of your readers will feel inspired to respond to this new appeal.

Any donations will be gratefully received and can be sent to UNICEF, North Korea Appeal, 53 Lyme Road, Hazel Grove, Stockport, Cheshire, SK7 6LH. Please make cheque donations payable to UNICEF.

Yasmin Zaman

UNICEF (UK)?

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