UNICEF adds weight to national development vision 2050

DODOMA: UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell has concluded a three-day visit to Tanzania, thanking the government and donors for delivering impressive gains for children.

She vowed UNICEF’s continued support in reaching the most vulnerable, including millions of children at risk of stunting.

The Executive Director met with President Samia Suluhu Hassan 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 prioritise children and youths,” said Russell.

“UNICEF remains committed to support the government’s Development Vision for 2050, including levelling the playing field for adolescent girls so they can unlock their full potential and drive innovation and economic growth,” said Russell, while expressing appreciation for bringing pregnant mothers back to school.

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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, as well as providing quality education and skills to children, including 3.2 million children, over half of them girls, out of school and ending violence against children in all its forms.

Russell travelled to Songwe Region to witness the impact of the government and UNICEF’s collaboration in providing improved community-based services to reach children and youths nationwide.

That includes birth registration, vaccinations, nutrition and health care, safe water and sanitation, education and child protection services.