UNITED NATIONS, July 31 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has launched a tetanus campaign in rural Madagascar, one of the few countries in the world that has not yet eliminated maternal and neonatal tetanus, a UN press release said Thursday.

    "Death due to tetanus is painful," said UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman who had just wrapped up her visit to the Indian Ocean country.

    "One visit to the local health center for a simple immunization can help save a baby's life," she said.

    Neonatal tetanus, which is preventable through a vaccination given to the mother before she gives birth, currently has an incidence rate of about 5 to 7 per cent among all newborn babies.

    During her visit to Madagascar, Veneman also called on all families to register their children at birth, ensuring they have access to basic health services and education. As many as 25 per cent of Malagasy children are not registered.

    UNICEF warned that children without birth certificates are also more vulnerable to sexual exploitation, early marriage and child labor.