ISLAMABAD: The new representative of the United Nations Children`s Fund (Unicef), Angela Kearney, on Thursday said one of her major challenges and priorities in Pakistan would be the continuous support to the polio eradication programme.

She stated this while presenting her credential to the government here.

Unicef is one of the most important partners in the polio programme.

The major challenge for the new representative will be to play her role in the eradication of the disease in the country.

Ms Kearney will head a multi-sectorial operation in the health, nutrition, water and sanitation as well as education and child protection sectors.

With 231 cases in the current year, Pakistan has already broken the 13-year record when the figure was 199 in 2000.

`As we are approaching the 25th anniversary of the Convention of the Rights of the Child, to which Pakistan is a signatory, I can see that the country has made significant progress in protecting and promoting the rights of its youngest and most vulnerable citizens,` she said.

`Much more needs to be done, however, to ensure that each child has a good start in life with access to healthcare, vaccination, a balanced and sufficient diet, education, hygiene and clean water. Most importantly, all children must be protected from violence and abuse,` she said.A Reporter