The pledge of UNICEF and other parties to intensify the push to eliminate malaria today, World Malaria Day 2008, drew a wide sampling of news coverage.

Voice of America, Reuters and the BBC, among many other news organizations, reported on the steep challenges remaining and on calls to further contain the disease.

A report on child and maternal mortality released at the Countdown to 2015 conference in Cape Town, South Africa this week delivered an entwined mesh of good news and bad, hopeful gains and heart-wrenching shortfalls.

Jointly authored by a broad coalition that includes UNICEF, the World Health Organization and many other groups, the report found that although there have been some strides in providing vaccinations, insecticide-treated bed nets and other interventions, the majority of countries with high child and maternal mortality rates were failing to provide vital health services to most women and children.

In October 2005, UNICEF, along with UNAIDS and other partners, issued a call to place children center stage in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The Unite for Children, Unite Against AIDS campaign set out four key program areas and urged all stakeholders to strive for an ambitious target: an AIDS-free generation.

In the wake of World Water Day last month, the water crisis has come into stark relief in war-riven Iraq.

Cyclone Ivan pummeled the island nation of Madagascar last month, leaving a vast trail of mangled roads and bridges, smashed homes and schools and ruined crops.

Several news agencies, including the AP, Reuters and Voice of America, reported on the storm, its initial aftermath and the response of UNICEF and others. Commendably, the BBC ran a fairly in-depth story several weeks after the storm. Stories appeared in American newspapers mostly as briefs.

Somalia’s worsening conflict, and UNICEF’s efforts to help its youngest victims, drew several headlines over the past month. The BBC, Voice of America and NPR covered UNICEF’s emergency appeal to help thousands of under-nourished Somali children. UNICEF’s efforts in the conflict-ridden country have been hampered by serious funding shortfalls.

Adam Fifield is on staff at the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. He’ll be doing weekly round-ups of news coverage of interest. This is his first post.

Greetings news buffs! For those of you who want to keep track of UNICEF’s news footprint, I will be posting regular reviews of items from various sources. With an organization as vast and diverse as UNICEF, I obviously can’t list everything, but I will try to compile a mix of reports that is interesting and informative. I may also throw in a small dose of commentary or a ‘Background note’ that will offer added context, history or other info.