VICE-PRESIDENT Guy Scott's wife Charlotte Scott has urged Zambians to nurture children in all aspects of their lives because they are the future of the nation.

Dr Scott, who is Chairperson for Ministers' Spouses Club, observed that globally, over seven million children under the age of five die each year from preventable causes.

She said in Zambia, under five mortality rate stands at 119 per 1,000 live births.

She however noted that due to Government's effort to improve child health, Zambia has made steady progress towards Millennium Development Goals number four and five, which aim at reducing child mortality and improve maternal health.

Dr Scott said this in a speech read for her by Secretary of Ministers' Spouses Club Mary Shamenda at the commemoration of the Universal Children's Day in Lusaka yesterday.

This year's commemoration is under the theme "Treasure our Children".

She said the theme was a reminder to adults to address challenges which the children face including those living or working on the streets.

Community Development, Mother and Child Health Permanent Secretary Elwyn Chomba said every child in the country deserves a better life.

Prof Chomba advised children to take education seriously as it was the only way to enable them make better decisions in future. - ZANIS