UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell visited Tanzania, recognizing the progress made for children amidst ongoing challenges. She emphasized the importance of empowering girls and acknowledged Tanzania as a model for collaboration. The visit focused on UNICEF’s commitment to improving child welfare and addressing pressing issues like stunting and education access.
Catherine Russell, the Executive Director of UNICEF, recently concluded a three-day visit to Tanzania where she acknowledged the significant advancements made for children, despite ongoing challenges. She expressed gratitude to the Tanzanian Government and development partners for their efforts, particularly regarding support for vulnerable groups, including children at risk of stunting.
During her visit, Russell engaged with President Samia Suluhu and key ministers to explore avenues for deeper collaboration. She also met with adolescent girl innovators involved in a UNICEF-supported initiative, emphasizing the importance of empowering girls to contribute to the nation’s development goals.
Russell remarked that Tanzania exemplifies the benefits of united efforts to enhance the lives of children and communities. She reiterated UNICEF’s dedication to supporting the Government’s Development Vision for 2050, highlighting the need to create equal opportunities for adolescent girls to realize their potential and stimulate economic growth. She commended initiatives that provide educational access to pregnant teenagers and young mothers.
UNICEF, alongside development partners, has aided the Tanzanian Government in achieving vital objectives to improve child welfare through critical policy reforms and enhanced service delivery. These efforts have successfully reduced child mortality and poverty rates while improving children’s access to essential services, such as education and health.
Nevertheless, further progress hinges on sustained efforts to improve the quality of services addressing issues such as childhood stunting, which affects one in three children under five. Enhancing educational opportunities for the 3.2 million children out of school and eradicating violence against children are also pressing needs.
Russell visited the Songwe Region to observe the impactful collaboration between the Government and UNICEF, which aims to enhance community-based services. These efforts include securing birth registrations, vaccinations, and access to safe water and sanitation, as well as education and child protection resources. Furthermore, UNICEF is dedicated to advancing early childhood care and expanding skills training for adolescents, particularly young girls.
The role of Community Health Workers in delivering essential health services was also underscored during her visit, highlighting their critical contributions towards improving child and family welfare. “These community health workers are game changers for children and their families,” Russell noted, reiterating the collective responsibility to advance child welfare.
Catherine Russell’s visit to Tanzania underscores the significant strides made towards improving children’s lives, facilitated by strong government and partner collaboration. However, challenges remain, particularly regarding child stunting and accessing quality education. Continued efforts are essential to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive and fulfill their potential, especially focusing on vulnerable populations such as adolescent girls and those out of school.
Original Source: webwire.com
