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You're watching UNICEF Television.

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These days, the children of Sistan and Balochistan sing in spite of their daily hardship.

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This is Iran's poorest region.

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An eight-year drought has made things worse.

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Incomes have fallen, farms have dried up, having a profound effect on children's well-being.

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This boy says the drought has forced his father to leave his family to earn a living as a fisherman.

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Most of these children are malnourished.

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In some rural areas, the malnutrition rate reaches 20%, but things are beginning to change.

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That's because a partnership between Iran's Ministry of Health, UNICEF and local communities is creating integrated nutrition centers.

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Since we came here, our children have become healthier.

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We learned how to cook healthy food for them and how to feed them.

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Not long ago, distance was an obstacle for providing adequate health care, such as vaccination.

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But now, thanks to these centers, mobile vaccination teams reach the remote villages.

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The early years of a child's life are very important.

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That's why having an integrated plan towards the physical, mental and nutritional development of children is quite vital.

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Rural child care programs are also changing lives.

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At home, these children speak Baluchi.

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At the child care centers, they learn Farsi and basic math.

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The UNICEF-supported program is showing positive results and today counts over 5,000 centers across the country.

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In rural areas where people endure lower cultural and economic opportunities,

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kindergarten has an important influence in improving the cultural, social and mental situation of children.

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The goal is clear.

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To ensure that all children benefit from basic services not only in Cistan and Baluchistan, but throughout Iran.

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This is Sabine Dolan reporting for UNICEF Television.

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Unite for Children.