MANY readers will be aware of the growing humanitarian crisis in Kosovo. An estimated 210,000 people have become displaced in the region, and growing numbers of civilians have been left without shelter, heating and food.

Among the hardest hit are children. UNICEF, the United Nations children's fund, is aware of an alarming increase in cases of bronchitis and pneumonia among children of all ages.

Weakened by cold and hunger, thousands of children are at great risk. Normal health care systems have collapsed, leaving these children with no one to turn to except agencies like UNICEF.

Our medical teams remain in the conflict zone, reaching as many vulnerable children as possible. And when the fighting stops, our work in rebuilding services for children will continue.

Support today could make all the difference. Donations can be sent to UNICEF, Room KSV, 53 Lyme Road, Hazel Grove, Stockport, Cheshire SK7 6LH.

KIM BOHAJCZUK, UNICEF, North West Regional Officer.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.