Dr. Jane Muita is the new UNICEF Representative for Bulgaria

SOFIA, 2 July 2018 – Today the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria accepted the letter of credence of Dr. Jane Muita as the newly-appointed UNICEF Representative in Bulgaria – thus, a new chapter of cooperation between the United Nation Children’s Fund and the Government of Bulgaria begins. The new 5-years cycle of work will benefit all children in Bulgaria, including the most vulnerable.

“I am looking forward to working with my team in Bulgaria in support of the government to contribute to improved results for children in areas of UNICEF’s mandate.” said Dr. Muita during a meeting with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, Mr. Yuri Sterk.

On his part Mr. Sterk congratulated UNICEF for the successful cooperation with the Governments of Bulgaria over the years, and the achieved results for children. He also said that Bulgaria has just finished a successful Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the experience of the country in fields like de-institutionalization, child protection, child rights promotion can be used in other countries in transition – like the Western Balkans and the Eastern Partnership. The two parties reaffirmed their readiness to closely partner to further improve the situation of children in the country – specifically in fields like youth engagement, inclusive education, tackling violence against children and promoting child participation.

UNICEF and the Government of the Republic of Bulgaria continue its traditionally fruitful cooperation in a new programme period 2018-2022 to enable all children and adolescents, including the most disadvantaged, to enjoy their rights and develop their full potential in an inclusive and supportive society. Dr. Muita and her team will be devoted to achieving a sustainable impact through four programme components: (1) Early Childhood Development and Child Care, (2) Inclusive Education and Early Learning, (3) Prevention of Violence against Children, Protection of Victims and Access to Justice, and (4) Partnerships for monitoring, communication and promotion of child rights in Bulgaria and globally. UNICEF will work together with the Government, State institutions, United Nations partners, media, private sector, academia, civil society organizations, parents, children and adolescents to implement the Programme.

Dr. Jane Muita arrived in Bulgaria after the successful implementation of the previous 5-year cycle of cooperation and a smooth transition from the previous UNICEF Representative, Ms. Maria Jesus Conde.

Dr. Muita, a national of Kenya, served as UNICEF Deputy Representative to Zimbabwe since November 2013. In this capacity, she provided overall leadership in developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating a large UNICEF country programme. Previously, Dr. Muita served as UNICEF Deputy Representative in Malawi and Rwanda where she led complex programmes for children. Dr. Muita has a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, and a Master of Medicine in Pediatric from the University of Nairobi; and a Master’s Degree in Public Health from “John Hopkins University”, USA.