UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell Concludes Visit to Tanzania, Pledges Continued Support for Children’s Well-being.
Dodoma, Tanzania:
Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF, concluded a productive three-day visit to Tanzania on March 11, expressing gratitude to the Government of Tanzania and its development partners for their progress in improving the lives of children. Russell also reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to support Tanzania in addressing the challenges facing the most vulnerable children, particularly those at risk of stunting.
During her visit, Russell met with Tanzania’s President, Samia Suluhu, and key ministers to discuss how UNICEF and the Government can strengthen their collaboration to reach children across the country. She also had the opportunity to meet with adolescent girl innovators participating in a UNICEF-supported program, highlighting the importance of empowering young girls to contribute to economic and social progress.
“Despite the challenges, Tanzania is a powerful example of what can be achieved for children, their communities, and their countries when we work together and prioritize children and youth,” Russell said during her visit. “UNICEF remains committed to supporting 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 also commended efforts to ensure that teenage mothers and pregnant adolescents have access to education and opportunities to improve their lives, an initiative that is crucial for the country’s long-term development.
Through partnerships with development agencies, UNICEF has been supporting the Tanzanian Government in reaching its ambitious goals aimed at saving and improving the lives of children. These initiatives have resulted in tangible improvements, such as decreased child mortality rates, reduced poverty, and increased access to education, nutrition, water, sanitation, and protection from violence and harmful practices, such as child marriage.
However, Russell highlighted that while progress has been made, challenges remain. The country’s success in the coming years will depend on its ability to scale up and improve the quality of services to address critical issues such as stunting, which affects one in three children under the age of five. Additionally, the country must address the education gap, as approximately 3.2 million children remain out of school. Ensuring quality education, ending violence against children, and expanding opportunities for skill development are key to improving the lives of Tanzanian children.
During her visit, Russell traveled to the Songwe Region, where she observed the direct impact of UNICEF’s collaboration with the Tanzanian Government in providing essential community-based services for children. These services include birth registration, immunizations, healthcare, nutrition support, access to clean water and sanitation, education, and child protection services. UNICEF is also working to expand early childhood care, development programs, and vocational training for adolescents, especially girls.
A significant part of Russell’s visit focused on the role of Community Health Workers, who play a vital role in delivering healthcare services at the grassroots level. Russell praised their contributions, saying, “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’s continued support, along with the Tanzanian Government’s ongoing efforts, is essential to addressing the remaining challenges and achieving the nation’s goals of improved health, education, and protection for its children.
