On January 27, 2020, 6-month-old Misheck is held aloft by his mother outside the UNICEF-supported Luumbo Health Center in Zambia.

UNICEF in Zambia

A look at some of the ways that UNICEF is working with partners to help 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

 

Grace and her baby girl, Elizabeth, (16 months) receive their necessary vaccines at the George Clinic Immunization Outreach, George Compound Lusaka District, Lusaka.
© 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. Grace and her baby daughter, 16-month-old Elizabeth, above, received their necessary vaccinations at the George Center. 

Encouraging playful parenting
  

Lukas Phiri plays with his 4-month-old daughter Faith in Kholowa Village, Katete District in Zambia's Eastern Province.
© 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. 

Helping children learn 

 

Students at 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 has since built dozens of new latrines with support from donors and in collaboration with partner UN agencies.

The intervention is seen as a massive improvement. "That means when children come to school, they can do exactly what they came to do: learn," UNICEF WASH Specialist Gloria Nyam Gyang says.

UNICEF is working to give children in Zambia a happy childhood and a hopeful future. Your 100% tax-deductible contribution will help UNICEF reach children in Zambia and around the world with the programs and services they need. Please donate.

Donate Now

 

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