Unicef chief highlights investment in children’s future on visit to Songwe

Dar es Salaam Unicef Executive Director Catherine Russell has visited Unicef -supported education and health programmes in Tanzania’s Songwe Region, underscoring the importance of investing in children and adolescent girls to break cycles of poverty and drive positive change.

Russell, who is on a three-day visit to Tanzania, met with local officials and witnessed how empowering children through access to education, health 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 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 implement policies and investments that support children and adolescents, particularly girls, by improving access to education, community-based health, and nutrition services while reducing 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 to ensure adolescent girls have access to skills, education, employment opportunities, and essential health services.

Children make up 50 per cent of Tanzania’s population, while youth account for 72 per cent. Unicef’s longstanding commitment to supporting the government’s efforts to invest in children is yielding results.

More children under five in Tanzania are surviving than ever before, poverty is on the decline, fewer girls are being married off, and childhood stunting rates are decreasing. However, significant challenges remain, including over 30 per cent of children under five being affected by malnutrition and stunting, which can lead to lifelong physical and mental disabilities.

To address these challenges, Unicef is supporting the government’s 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 ommunities.”

At Mlowo Primary School, Russell met adolescent girls benefiting from Unicef F’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 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 met with community healthcare workers. Unicef supports the government’s initiatives to strengthen 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.”

Russell reaffirmed Unicef’s continued commitment to partnering with the government to drive positive change.

“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.”