Angola urged to help 'war children'

The head of the United Nations Children's Fund, Unicef, has urged the government in Angola to do more to help children saying the country presented a significant humanitarian challenge.

Carol Bellamy said there had not been enough investment in education and health services in a country where war and neglect have made conditions for children among the worst in the world.

According to the United Nations, about 60% of Angolan children die before the age of five.

Of those who survive, less than half receive any form of schooling.

Ms Bellamy said women and children are being hit hardest by Angola's continuing civil war.

The Unicef director is in Angola to support a national campaign to eradicate polio.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service