How UNICEF Is Helping Children Thrive in Zambia
Zambia has one of the world's fastest growing populations and also one of the youngest: more than half of the country is under the age of 18.
High poverty rates and scant infrastructure continue to affect children's access to essential services, threatening their health and future. UNICEF works with partners to ensure that from the very beginning, babies and children in Zambia receive the care and support they need to survive and thrive.
A safe and healthy beginning for babies
© UNICEF/UNI308029/Schermbrucker
More than 400 babies are born every month at the George Health Center in Lusaka, Zambia, where UNICEF is working with Zambia's Ministry of Health to improve water and sanitation facilities, upgrade equipment and train staff to make sure Zambia's newest arrivals get a healthy start in life. The project is part of the wider UN Millenium Development Goal initiative, supported by the European Union. Grace and her baby daughter, 16-month-old Elizabeth, above, received their necessary vaccinations at the George Center.
Encouraging playful parenting
© UNICEF/UN0452099/Siakachoma
In Zambia's Eastern Province, UNICEF-trained community-based volunteers offer playful parenting lessons for dads and moms, which is fun for the whole family. Above, Lukas Phiri plays with his younger daughter, 4-month-old Faith, in Kholowa Village, Katete District. Before the pandemic, several families gathered together for group parenting classes, but now community-based volunteers meet with individual families once a month to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Helping children learn
Before UNICEF water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions, the 2,886 students enrolled in Mantapala-B School used to share five latrine drop holes. That's a lot of time spent waiting in line for a chance to use the bathroom. UNICEF and partners have built 15 new latrines, and plans for 28 more are in the works. The work is being carried out with support from the Federal Republic of Germany through the KFW Development Bank and UNCERF, in coordination with UNHCR.
"Once completed, the WASH interventions in the school would mean a massive improvement for children in Mantalapa schools," says UNICEF WASH Specialist Gloria Nyam Gyang. "That means when children come to school, they can do exactly what they came to do: learn."
UNICEF is working to give children in Zambia a happy childhood and a hopeful future. Your generous donation will help UNICEF reach children in Zambia and around the world with the programs and services they need. Please donate.
Top photo: Six-month-old Misheck is held aloft by his mother outside the UNICEF-supported Luumbo Health Center in Zambia's Gwembe District. © UNICEF/UNI308039/Schermbrucker
