UNICEF commends TZ’s investment in youth

SONGWE: UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell stated that Tanzania has demonstrated that investing in children and adolescents is not only about their future, but also about the future of Tanzania.

In a trip to the Songwe Region yesterday, Ms Russell visited UNICEF supported education and health programmes for children and adolescent girls that are helping to break cycles of poverty and improve the lives of children.

Ms Russell, who is on a three-day visit to Tanzania, was in the southern highland region to meet with local officials and witness how empowering children and adolescent girls through access to education, health and nutrition services can drive positive change for them and their communities.

“Tanzania has shown that investing in children and adolescents is not just about their future—it is about Tanzania’s future,” said Ms Russell.

“Tanzania is setting an important example that prioritising children is both the right thing to do, and the smart thing to do.”

UNICEF is working with the government and partners to put in place policies and investments that support children and adolescents, especially girls, to access education, community-based health and nutrition services and reduce child marriage and early pregnancies.

With Tanzania recording one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in the region – nearly 45 per cent in Songwe alone—UNICEF is scaling up interventions that ensure adolescent girls have access to skills, education and jobs, as well as health and nutrition services.

Children make up 50 per cent of Tanzania’s population, while youth account for 72 per cent of the population. UNICEF’s steadfast commitment in supporting the government’s efforts to invest in them is paying off.

More children under the age of five in Tanzania are surviving today than ever before, poverty is on the decline, less girls are getting married and childhood stunting is going down.

But huge challenges remain, including over 30 per cent of children under five affected by malnutrition including stunting, which can provide life-long physical and mental disabilities.

UNICEF is therefore supporting the government’s efforts to strengthen community health services and ensure every child gets the best start in life.

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“Every child has a right to access essential services that will help them live up to their full potential and contribute to their communities,” said Ms Russell.

“Here in Songwe, I have met incredible young girls who are overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities to build better futures for themselves and their communities.”

At Mlowo Primary School, Russell met with adolescent girls benefiting from UNICEF’s Integrated Programme for Out-of-School Adolescents (IPOSA), which provides education and vocational training for teenage mothers.

“Through the IPOSA Programme, I didn’t just learn how to farm—I learned how to save, plan and invest in my future,” said Brenda, 18, one of the beneficiaries of IPOSA programme.

Russell also made a stop at Mlowo Village’s Community Health and Nutrition Programme, to witnessed UNICEF’s Village Health and Nutrition Day and meet with community healthcare workers.

UNICEF supports the government’s efforts to strengthen community health services. “Community healthcare workers are game changers for children, ensuring that they have the right nutrition, vaccinations and care to give them the best start to life,” said Russell.

“I commend the commitment of the health workers, parents, and leaders who are ensuring that children, adolescents, and mothers receive the care they need.” Russell reaffirmed UNICEF’s continued commitment to partner with the government to drive positive change.