Unicef gives 150b/- for child welfare

Feb 16, 2006

THE UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF, has unveiled a US$82.8m (sh150b) five-year programme for Uganda, targeting the welfare of six million children.

By Cyprian Musoke

THE UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF, has unveiled a US$82.8m (sh150b) five-year programme for Uganda, targeting the welfare of six million children.

Signing the 2006-2010 pact at the finance ministry offices in Kampala on Wednesday, UNICEF country representative Martin Mogwanja said they would first target 3.3 million children in 19 districts where health, education and safe water access are lower than average.

Finance minister Dr. Ezra Suruma, who signed on behalf of the Government, said the plan was a timely shot in the arm of government, given the unimpressive infant and maternal mortality rates it had consistently registered.

He said despite impressive figures in education, poverty and HIV/AIDS reduction, Uganda had continued to perform badly in the mortality rates.

The 19 districts are Amolatar, Amuria, Apac, Bundibugyo, Kabarole, Kaberamaido, Kaabong, Kamwenge, Lira, Gulu, Kasese, Nakapripirit, Katakwi, Kyenjojo, Kitgum, Pader, Kotido, Moroto and Soroti.

Mogwanja said the programme would focus on Child survival and development, infant, child and maternal mortality, protecting the vulnerable, addressing violence, exploitation, abuse, discrimination and child neglect.

It will also address the right of all children to education, children and HIV/AIDS, social policy and advocacy for children and development of national policies to benefit children living in poverty.

He said the population focus included the 935,000 children living in IDP camps in war-torn areas.

“With the government as the lead partner and in close collaboration with sister UN agencies and partners, UNICEF is fully committed to the goal of ensuring that the most vulnerable children in the most disadvantaged communities realise their rights to survive, develop, be protected and participate in decisions affecting them,” Mogwanja said.

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