Brasília - The Unicef office in Brazil is receiving donations in money for the Asian tsunami victims. A special bank account has been opened for such donations at Banco do Brasil, account number 404700-1, at bank branch (agência) 3382-0.

The Unicef campaign is being run jointly with the UN Development Program. Money raised will be used in emergency action projects in disaster areas for the prevention and treatment of health problems among the victims. Besides emergency medical equipment, Unicef agents will use the money to furnish potable water, along with oral rehydration and anti-diarrhea formulas.

"The response has been overwhelming. Many Brazilians say they want to help. Unicef is ready to turn this demonstration of solidarity into action that will benefit children and families that have become the victims of this tragedy," said Marie-Pierre Poirier, the Unicef representative in Brazil.

Poirier explained that as Unicef cannot pay for the transportation of donations such as clothing, blankets, water and other things, people wishing to make such donations should contact the embassies of countries affected by the tsunamis.

Translation: Allen Bennett