Health and Nutrition

Many countries in this region have made progress in health and nutrition. In many countries progress, however, is insufficient and fragile. Disparities exist and there is an urgent need to adapt to harsh new realities.

The ‘cradle to grave’ health services that were once the norm in the region became less accessible. Their quality are often lagging behind the international standards. Health systems struggle to cope with traditional and new health risks linked to growing social deprivation, including malnutrition and the spread of HIV and AIDS.

The region is confronting an outbreak of polio – a disease that was once eradicated in this part of the world, highlighting weaknesses in routine immunization.

A new UNICEF regional framework for action in health and nutrition aims to redress the balance and address issues of accessibility to and quality of health care. It will work upstream, influencing health policy and resource allocation at the highest level, and downstream, to support and scale up examples of best practices.

By taking a cross-sectoral approach, the strategy aims to help strengthen health systems to promote the rights of children and achieve the Millennium Development Goals.