SUFFERING in Iraq is not simply a result of the current war. The Iraqi people have endured more than 10 years of hardship.

The impact of two wars, followed by economic sanctions imposed in 1990, have taken their toll on a country that has one of the world's worst child mortality rates - one in eight children die before their fifth birthday, and one in four under-fives are malnourished.

The current conflict is simply adding pressure on a population already very vulnerable to sickness and malnutrition.

Little Hussein Ayad is really no different to millions of other Iraqi children. Doctors at the Primary Healthcare Centre in the Al-Asmaee district of Basra say he is stunted because of malnutrition. His mother receives monthly food rations but they contain no meat or eggs - things she cannot afford to buy.

The Gazette today launches an appeal with UNICEF to help children like Ayad - who are not only suffering from poor health, but are also now caught up in a war.

The appeal aims to help some of the four million children under five in Iraq, and one million pregnant women, for the next six months.

The funds will help UNICEF deliver vital medical supplies to hospitals and health clinics across the country where children are suffering the impact of the war. They will also ensure access to safe water, food, education and psychological support.

"UNICEF needs to raise funds immediately, while we still have time to save these lives," said David Speirs, regional officer for the South East branch of UNICEF.

In the last few months, UNICEF has been taking preventative measures to help Iraqi children withstand the possible impact of the conflict.

Prior to the outbreak of war the charity amassed thousands of tonnes of life-saving supplies - including high-protein biscuits, water purification tablets and essential medicines - inside both Iraq and neighbouring countries, in readiness for rapid emergency distribution.

"Gazette readers can significantly increase the chances of survival and healthy development for the children and women of Iraq," said Mr Speirs. "Together we can provide the help they so urgently need and put structures in place to enhance everyone's future prospects."

Two years ago, following the devastating earthquake in Gujarat, India, Gazette readers helped raise almost £2,700 in a similar appeal launched to help the thousands of people left injured and homeless.

"The Gujarat appeal was hugely successful, encouraging many groups and individuals to organise fundraising activities," said Mr Speirs. "Gazette readers donated thousands of pounds and, as a result, we were able to provide vital supplies and emergency equipment to enable the thousands of people affected to get back to as normal a life as possible.

"We are hoping that similar generosity will be shown towards the millions of women and children who are suffering virtual poverty in Iraq."