The New Zealand dairy product giant Fonterra is to donate US$5 million to a Chinese charity to establish a health care program for mothers and babies in poor rural areas.

Fonterra chief executive Andrew Ferrier signed a memorandum of understanding in Beijing with China Soong Ching Ling Foundation to fund the program over five years, the New Zealand Press Association reported on Saturday.

It will set up community centers in rural and undeveloped areas, with tools and resources to support prenatal and post natal care, and provide information to ensure healthy pregnancies and babies.

Babies in poor and rural areas were some of the first reported to be affected by melamine-contaminated infant milk powders sold by Fonterra's Chinese joint venture, Shijiazhuang Sanlu Group Co, in which it held a 43 percent stake.

(Xinhua News Agency October 11, 2008)