IN any war children are affected first, and in the worst possible ways. UNICEF, the United Nations' Children's Fund, knows from working in conflicts world-wide that children's survival, health, emotional state and education are put at risk.

For Iraq's 12 million children who have grown up under the effects of 12 years of economic sanctions and poor governance, war will be catastrophic.

During that time Iraq has experienced the single largest regression on child mortality in the world.

Under-five mortality in Iraq has increased by 160 per cent and one in eight Iraqi children now die before their fifth birthday.

In the run-up to war, UNICEF bolstered the strength of Iraq's children, providing hundreds of tonnes of high- nutrient foods. Working closely with the Iraqi Ministry of Health, UNICEF has provided more than 1,000 metric tonnes of high-energy biscuits and therapeutic milk, distributed at 63 nutrition centres nationwide.

UNICEF also stepped up its routine immunisation programme, vaccinating four million children against measles and polio, diseases which spread rapidly when populations are displaced.

We have also pre-positioned enough supplies to provide 600,000 with clean water as well as overhauling standby generators at water treatment plants.

Now war has started childrens' needs are urgent and we appeal to readers to help us meet them.

Just £25 will provide enough therapeutic feeding for 350 children, while £50 could help save the lives of 300 suffering from cholera/dysentery by treating them with oral rehydration salts.

Donations payable to UNICEF can be sent to the UNICEF Children of Iraq Appeal at the address below.

Louis Coles,

Regional fundraising manager (North East), PO Box 1800,

Sheffield,

South Yorkshire S6 4UG.

...WITH the situation in the Gulf serving and ex-service men, women and their families are in our thoughts.

SSAFA Forces Help is the national charity for serving and ex-serving personnel and their families in need.

With more than 210,000 personnel currently serving in the armed forces, and nearly seven million ex-service men and women, we estimate that one quarter of the population is eligible for assistance from SSAFA Forces Help.

Last year the trained volunteers in North Yorkshire helped more than 500 families in need. If you think they, a friend or family member, may be eligible for our help, or if they would be interested in volunteering, please get in touch with us.

We can provide practical and emotional support in many ways including welfare, housing, cash help, friendship visits, health care and social work. We give practical help,advice and friendship, particularly at this sensitive time.

For more information ring our county office (01904) 643397 or our website www.ssafa.org.uk

Wendy Wood,

Publicity officer, The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association, Worsley Barracks, Fulford Road, York.

Updated: 10:23 Tuesday, March 25, 2003