UNICEF Rep, Dr Oyewale concludes his mission in Zi...

UNICEF Rep, Dr Oyewale concludes his mission in Zim

**Outgoing UNICEF Representative in Zimbabwe, Dr Tajudeen Oyewale**

Audrey Galawu

UNICEF Representative in Zimbabwe, Dr Tajudeen Oyewale completes his mission as UNICEF Representative in Zimbabwe, after having served in the country for nearly three years to take up a new assignment as UNICEF Representative in Afghanistan.

Speaking at the launch of the UNICEF 2023 report, which coincides with the end of his assignment, Dr Oyewale said UNICEF will continue to strengthen its partnership with donors, including on visibility and play a convening role to align donor investment with national priorities, while taking forward private sector partnership opportunities.

“I am pleased to see our investment in budget analysis, dialogue through the child budgeting series and engagement with relevant Government Ministries and the Parliament is contributing to improvement in social sector allocation and results in the face of multiple challenges.

“I also appreciate the commitment and flexibility of our donors as we rededicate ourselves to further opportunities for children in Zimbabwe,” he said.

According to the report, in 2023, joint action by UNICEF with the government, donors, implementing partners and young people reached 143 000 people, including 73 103 children, with the Emergency Social Cash Transfer programme.

UNICEF also trained 15 000 village health workers to improve access to basic health services for those in need, secured access to antiretroviral drugs for 17 097 children living with HIV and reached 157 713 students through School Health Clubs to promote good hygiene practices.

Dr Oyewale acknowledged that UNICEF rolled out large-scale programmes benefiting the most vulnerable women and children in Zimbabwe, working with government and other stakeholders.

“We solarised 128 disadvantaged schools ensuring improved access to energy and support for digital learning for children, increased the birth registration rate for children under-five years to 51 percent and engaged 133 393 adolescents and young people on issues impacting them.

“Looking back on the accomplishments of 2023, I applaud Zimbabwe and its partners for their resilience and commitment to children. Through our collaborative efforts, we realied tangible results, reaffirmed our dedication to uphold the rights and welfare of all children, everywhere and at all times in the country.

“I express my gratitude to the Government, donors, partners, and staff for their unwavering dedication to Zimbabwe's children as I look forward to more joint results in 2024,” Dr Oyewale concluded.

In 2023, donors, development partners and UN joint programmes have contributed over US$90 million to UNICEF programmes including more than US$8 million for humanitarian action, to respond to the needs of women and children in Zimbabwe.