Bangladesh joins global campaign

Over 100 Bangladeshi kids in the capital yesterday took part in a global effort to eliminate the diseases which affect the children.
They joined a relay race at Gulshan Youth Club field campaigning to act fast for child survival from diseases including pneumonia, malaria and diarrhoea.
The race titled "Race for Survival 2012" was organised by Save the Children.
Similar races are also being held in 40 countries, including India, Pakistan, Kenya, Indonesia, the Philippines, Cambodia, Australia, and the USA.
The campaigners, including the Bangladeshi ones, are urging their governments for placing a health worker within the reach of every child and ensuring vaccines and nutrition.
The relay races across the world will end on October 16.
From Bangladesh, 105 children joined the race while 2000 children runners from the forty countries joined their respective events.
They competed with the aim of beating the world record marathon (42.195km) time of 2h3m38s set by Patrick Makau, each running approximately 1.4km.
"I wish elders, attracted by our innovative campaign, will now work better for child health," said 12-year-old Ratri of Nari Maitri School in the capital's Goran.
"Children, with their passion and commitment, are the best advocates to encourage the world leaders to take notice and reduce child deaths," said Michael Foley, director of Health and Nutrition Department of Save The Children.