News from the Field
March 6, 2013
In Uganda, Knocking Down Barriers to Health Care
In remote areas of Uganda, where health facilities are lacking, it can be difficult to access basic medical care. With the introduction of Family Health Days, however, families can now receive the care and attention they need. The UNICEF-supported Family Health Days are held every four months at various places of worship. Services range from immunization and birth registration of children to free antenatal care for mothers, deworming and blood pressure checks. Counseling and education on leading healthy lifestyles are also offered to youth.
March 2, 2013
In Remote Mongolia, a Quality Education for Every Child
The Khuvsgul region of northern Mongolia is a land of mountains, nomads and herds. In the village of Tsagaannuur, many students at the school live in the dormitories. The school’s latrines are outdoors, and this makes it difficult for children, especially for girls at night. In the next two years, UNICEF will provide the school with indoor toilets for boys and girls. UNICEF is also supporting the school with teacher training, supplies and special integration programs for children who have dropped out of school and children with disabilities.
March 1, 2013
Fighting Malnutrition Among Malian Refugees in Niger
As the situation in Mali continues to deteriorate, families are fleeing to Mangaize refugee camp in the Niger. In order to address the critical malnutrition levels in camps, UNICEF and its partners launched a feeding program in January. The program targets all children under five who are at risk of malnutrition. Nearly 1,200 children are in the program in Mangaize camp. Three meals are served daily, and a team of 90 trained women, most of them refugees, prepare and serve meals and mobilize parents to bring their children to the centers.
February 21, 2013
Pakistani Children Tell Stories of Hope in One-Minute Films
Fifteen children recently participated in Pakistan’s OneMinutesJr. workshop on the theme ‘Education through Peace and Tolerance,’ organized by UNICEF and the One Minutes Foundation. Children from underprivileged backgrounds spent five days learning the basics of filmmaking and then developing concepts for their one-minute films. The workshop gave the children the opportunity to express their thoughts on peace, tolerance and education; enhance their creative skills; work in a diverse group; and tell compelling stories on film.
February 20, 2013
Birth Registration Critical for Protecting Children’s Rights
Registering a child’s birth is a critical first step towards safeguarding his or her lifelong protection. Yet, worldwide, 49% of children under five are not registered. These children often have difficulty accessing healthcare, education, and social assistance. Without an age established by birth certificate, they are not protected against child labor, being treated as an adult in the justice system, forcible conscription, child marriage and trafficking. UNICEF is working with governments to support the registration of every child at birth.
