UNICEF publishes four-year women and children advocacy plan

The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, is determined to improve the lot of children and women in Cameroon in four years. In its action plan entitled “Advocacy For Women And Children Of Cameroon: UNICEF 2013-2017,” copiously illustrated with pictures from across the country, Resident Country Representative, Félicité Tchibindat, says “… the reality of the country and its stories are best told by the people who live them.”

Purpose Of Publication The 36-page tabloid-size publication, according to Tchibindat, “… is not meant to praise the work of UNICEF and development partners. Rather, its aim is to show the road that lies ahead and appeal to the national and international community on the challenges that must be addressed in order to allow women and children in Cameroon to fully realise their rights to development without restrictions.”

The document says that though the situation of Cameroon has improved at the national level, that of women and children in many areas remains alarming.

Mortality Situation Despite infant and child mortality rates declining from 146 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2001 to 122 in 2011, it still remains high compared to the 76 deaths per live births target by the Millennium Development Goals.

On the other hand, maternal mortality rates have deteriorated from 669 deaths per 10,000 live births from 1997-2004, to 782 deaths per 100,000 live births between 2004 and 2011.

Similarly, birth registration of children under five years has fallen from 70.1 percent in 2006 to 61.4 percent in 2011. All of this follows previous great disparities between cities and villages, among regions and socio-economic groups.

Expected Outcomes In order to improve the situation, UNICEF provides financial and technical support to Cameroon in seven key areas. These include health, HIV/AIDS, water, sanitation and hygiene, nutrition, education, child protection and social inclusion.