Concluding a three-day visit to Tanzania today, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell thanked the Government and development partners for delivering impressive gains for children while vowing UNICEF’s continued support in reaching the most vulnerable, including millions of children at risk of stunting.
The Executive Director met with the country’s president, Her Excellency Samia Suluhu and key ministers to discuss ways to further collaboration, and also met with adolescent girl innovators at a UNICEF supported programme.
“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,” said Russell “UNICEF remains committed to support the Government’s Development Vision for 2050, including leveling the playing field for adolescent girls so they can unlock their full potential and drive innovation and economic growth,” Russell expressed appreciation for efforts to ensure teenagers who are pregnant or young mothers have access to learning opportunities.
UNICEF and development partners have been supporting the government’s ambitious goals to save and improve the lives of children through policy reforms, strengthening and sustaining systems, expanding services and investments.
As a result, child mortality and poverty have decreased and more children have gained access to education, nutrition, water and sanitation, and protection against violence and harmful practices like child marriage.
However, Tanzania’s continued progress will be contingent on keeping a strong focus on improving the quality and scale of services to address remaining challenges. Special focus will be needed to tackle stunting, a condition that can impact physical and cognitive ability for life, which continues to affect one in three children under the age of five. It will also require providing quality education and skills to children, including 3.2 million children who are out of school, and ending violence against children in all its forms.
Russell travelled to the Songwe Region to witness the impact of the Government and UNICEF’s collaboration in providing improved community-based services to reach children nation-wide. That includes birth registration, vaccinations, nutrition and health care, safe water and sanitation, education and child protection services. UNICEF is also working with the Government to expand early childhood care and development, and skills training for adolescents, particularly girls.
Russell saw the critical role of Community Health Workers in delivering essential health services for children and families.
“These community health workers are game changers for children and their families,” said Russell. “It really is a reminder that when we all contribute, children win.”
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