Tunisia

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One of the most stable and relatively prosperous nations in North Africa, Tunisia has made strides toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals, especially with regard to education.

Issues facing children in Tunisia

• While maternal mortality rates have declined in recent years, they remain high, especially in Tunisia’s western regions.
• Budget cuts have forced the Ministry of Health to cancel a national immunization campaign against Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib). Thousands of young children were left unprotected against Hib disease, which presents a serious threat to young children.
• Tunisia failed to pass legislation promoting confidential HIV/AIDS testing in 2005.
• The teacher-to-student ratio remains high.

Activities and results for children

• National strategies are being implemented to reduce maternal and perinatal mortality.
• New services have been developed to help prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS and provide support for HIV-positive children.
• A national immunization campaign protected teenage girls against measles and rubella.
• Efforts are underway to improve access to quality health care in all regions of Tunisia. Additional specialists – including gynaecologists and paediatricians – are now serving the disadvantaged regions of the south and the northwest.
• Preschool education coverage has improved steadily since the Ministry of Education launched a programme of preparatory classes in primary schools. These classes are now available in 1,250 schools, benefiting nearly 24,000 children.
• Primary schools have introduced English as a regular part of the curriculum. New information technologies are being used to enhance teaching methods.
• Children with disabilities are beginning to realize their rights thanks to new legislation and a policy of inclusive education.
• Some 1,200 social workers have received training on protecting vulnerable children.
• UNICEF has worked with dozens of journalists in Tunisia to improve media coverage of issues affecting children.