UNICEF Executive Director Recognizes Progress in Child Welfare During Tanzania Visit
UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell, acknowledges progress for children during her trip to Tanzania, emphasizing collaborative efforts with the government. Key focuses include empowering adolescent girls, addressing stunting, and improving education access. Russell highlights the essential role of Community Health Workers and reaffirms UNICEF’s commitment to children’s rights and welfare in over 190 countries.
The UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell, recently concluded a three-day visit to Tanzania, where she commended the government and development partners for significant advancements in child welfare. Despite ongoing challenges, UNICEF remains committed to supporting vulnerable populations, particularly addressing stunting affecting millions of children. Russell met with President Samia Suluhu and other officials to enhance collaboration and highlighted the empowerment of adolescent girls as vital to Tanzania’s development vision.
During her visit, Russell praised Tanzania’s proactive measures to improve child health and education, stating, “Despite challenges, Tanzania is a powerful example of what can be achieved for children, their communities and countries when we work together and prioritize children and youth.” She expressed a strong commitment to supporting the government’s Development Vision for 2050, particularly focusing on ensuring access to education for pregnant teenagers and young mothers.
UNICEF, along with its partners, has been instrumental in policy reforms, which have drastically reduced child mortality and poverty rates. The organization has worked to provide better access to education, nutrition, and essential services. However, the challenge of stunting remains, affecting one-third of children under five, necessitating continued advancements in service quality and outreach, especially for the three million children who are still out of school.
Additionally, Russell visited the Songwe Region to observe the impact of community-based services which include health care, nutrition, and educational support. She noted the crucial contributions of Community Health Workers, stating, “These community health workers are game changers for children and their families. It really is a reminder that when we all contribute, children win.”
UNICEF is dedicated to safeguarding the rights of children globally, particularly in challenging circumstances, and is active in over 190 nations to ensure that all children can survive, thrive, and realize their full potential.
Catherine Russell’s visit to Tanzania underscores a commitment to advancing children’s rights and welfare in the face of existing challenges. Significant strides have been made in reducing poverty and child mortality, yet continued vigilance is required to address issues such as stunting and educational access. The collaborative efforts between UNICEF and the Tanzanian government are vital in fostering a supportive environment for all children, particularly the most vulnerable populations.
Original Source: webwire.com
