THE earthquake in Bam, Iran, has killed more than 20,000 people, leaving many thousands injured and destroying 80 per cent of the city.

In the aftermath of this disaster children who survived are now in a desperate situation, traumatised, without shelter in freezing temperatures and in need of water and medicine.

UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, has already despatched urgently-needed medical and shelter supplies to the stricken region but there is still much more to be done. We would like to encourage readers to make a New Year's resolution: to help save lives in Bam, children's lives in particular.

UNICEF has sent 12 emergency health and essential drug kits containing antibiotics, painkillers, ringer lactate solution, syringes and other equipment to enable health workers on the ground to establish small medical clinics. These supplies are capable of treating 120,000 people for up to three months.

We have also sent winter tents and plastic sheeting to protect homeless and displaced children from the freezing cold, but we still fear for the health of tens of thousands of children in the aftermath of this tragedy.

In addition, there to trauma and injuries directly resulting from the earthquake, there has been a breakdown of basic sanitation and disruption to the supply of clean water. There is the growing risk of infection from decomposing bodies and low night-time temperatures can lead to disease outbreaks, including diarrhoea and acute respiratory infections.

UNICEF -- which has been present and operated programs for children in Iran since 1962 -- is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. Donations from your readers will make a huge difference to our success in saving children's lives in Bam. It will not be a happy new year for them, but readers could help to bring them safety and comfort now and offer them hope for the future.

Cheques or postal orders, payable to UNICEF will be gratefully received at UNICEF Children of Iran Earthquake Appeal, UNICEF, FREEPOST, Chelmsford, CM2 8BR.

ANDREA LOCK, North West Regional Fundraising Manager, Arthur Street, Prestwich, Manchester.