UNICEF Supports the Ministry of Health and Sports with the Donation of Play Kits for the Early Detection of Early Childhood Developmental Delays and Disabilities

With generous support from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, UNICEF is improving early intervention and rehabilitation services for young children with disabilities in Bolivia. UNICEF’s assistance will benefit approximately 3,086 children under the age of six with different disabilities. 

The collaboration between the Church and UNICEF has enhanced early childhood care and rehabilitation services for 3,086 children aged 0 to 6 with disabilities, improving the quality of support they receive. In addition, play kits were provided to encourage therapeutic play at home, making it possible for vulnerable families to support their children’s development and access early intervention services. 

The handover event took place at the offices of the Ministry of Health and Sports, with the participation of Blanca Condori, Head of the Disability Policy Management Unit; Marco Antonio Munguía, Head of the Health Services and Quality Networks Unit; María Delia Espinoza, UNICEF Bolivia’s Chief of Child Survival and Development; as well as directors and technical teams from rehabilitation centres nationwide. 

“Why is UNICEF so committed to this issue? In the early years of life, children’s brains are highly receptive and adaptable, making early interventions particularly effective and impactful for their cognitive, emotional, and physical development. This applies to all children, but especially to those with disabilities. (…) While materials are important to stimulate development, it is equally vital to have skilled and, above all, empathetic professionals to work directly with the children and empower their families. Empowered families are the ones who will ultimately experience the joy of their children’s achievements,” emphasized Espinoza.  

“We are especially grateful to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, whose contribution makes this intervention possible and allows us to reach the most vulnerable children with the tools and support they need to thrive.” 

In recent years, UNICEF has worked closely with the Ministry of Health and Sports to improve the early detection of developmental delays in children, ensuring timely and appropriate care especially for severe delays and disabilities. UNICEF’s support has focused on strengthening the skills of healthcare and rehabilitation personnel through ongoing training and the provision of tailored resources. It has also developed materials and guidelines to enhance comprehensive care and actively promoted family engagement in early identification and intervention efforts. 

This latest donation from UNICEF Bolivia aims to support rehabilitation centres through by providing play kits and therapeutic equipment, including psychomotor activity kits, ball pools, crawl tunnels, and sensory stimulation materials, among others, to enhance the early detection and effective response to early childhood developmental delays and disabilities. 

“The donation will be distributed to 25 rehabilitation centres and service providers affiliated with the Ministry of Health and Sports. These centres are staffed by professionals from the Disability Policy Management Unit, including physicians, physiotherapists, kinesiologists, speech and occupational therapists, among others. These staff members are not only qualified but also deeply committed to caring for children in their earliest years. We would like to thank UNICEF for this vital support and for their steadfast dedication to child well-being.” stated Blanca Condori, Head of the Disability Policy Management Unit. 

Just days before the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, observed on December 3, UNICEF Bolivia reaffirmed its commitment to working with the national government, particularly with the Ministry of Health and Sports, to advance initiatives that promote inclusion and the full participation of all children, especially those with disabilities, in communities free of barriers. 

This donation was made possible thanks to the generous support of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which funds UNICEF’s First Steps programme, which focuses on the early detection of disabilities and the promotion of healthy child development. Its goal is to ensure that young children, especially the most vulnerable, have access to health and development services that allow for the early identification of disabilities and provide timely rehabilitation support. The approach places families and communities at the centre, fostering early interventions that nurture the holistic development and well-being of young children.