Unicef chief calls for greater investment in Tanzanian children

Songwe. The United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) executive director, Catherine Russell, has visited Fund-supported education and health programmes in Songwe Region, emphasising the need to invest in children and adolescent girls to break cycles of poverty and foster positive change. 

During her three-day visit to Tanzania, Ms Russell met with local officials and observed how access to education, healthcare, and nutrition services is transforming lives and strengthening 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.

Unicef is collaborating with the government and partners to implement policies and initiatives aimed at improving education, community-based healthcare, and nutrition services, particularly for girls.

These efforts also focus on reducing child marriage and teenage pregnancies. 

Tanzania has one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in the region, with nearly 45 per cent of adolescent girls in Songwe affected.

In response, Unicef is scaling up interventions to provide adolescent girls with access to education, skills training, employment opportunities, and essential health services. 

Children constitute 50 per cent of Tanzania’s population, while youth account for 72 per cent.

Unicef’s ongoing support for the government’s child-focused investments is delivering results—child survival rates are improving, poverty is declining, fewer girls are being married off, and childhood stunting rates are decreasing. 

However, challenges remain, with over 30 per cent of children under five suffering from malnutrition and stunting, which can lead to lifelong physical and cognitive impairments.

To address this, Unicef is supporting efforts to strengthen community health services and ensure every child gets the best start in life. 

“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 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 adolescent girls benefiting from Unicef’s Integrated Programme for Out-of-School Adolescents (IPOSA), which offers 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 programme’s beneficiaries. 

Russell also visited Mlowo Village’s Community Health and Nutrition Programme, where she observed Unicef’s Village Health and Nutrition Day and engaged with community healthcare workers.

Unicef plays a key role in supporting the government’s initiatives to enhance community health services. 

“Community healthcare workers are game changers for children, ensuring they receive the right nutrition, vaccinations, and care to give them the best start in life,” said Russell.

“I commend the dedication of health workers, parents, and leaders who are ensuring that children, adolescents, and mothers receive the care they need,” she added. 

Continued commitment to Tanzania’s children 

Russell reaffirmed Unicef’s commitment to working with the government to drive positive change in children’s welfare. 

“By strengthening policies, increasing public financing, and expanding community-led programmes, Tanzania is building a healthier and more empowered generation of children and youth. Unicef is proud to support these efforts, and the return on investments is measured in the lives of children saved and improved,” she noted.