New UNICEF Representative reiterates commitment with children upon presenting credentials

HAVANA 3 February 2022 – Ms. Alejandra Trossero presented today the credentials that accredit her as UNICEF Representative in Cuba to H. E. Ms. Anayansi Rodriguez, Deputy Minister of the Honorable Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba.

In the meeting, both officials exchanged on the collaboration program of the United Nations Children’s Fund with the Government of Cuba in the areas of Health, Nutrition, Education and Protection, as well as on the support provided by UNICEF to Cuba in the COVID-19 response.

In that regard, the Representative emphasized that in 2021 UNICEF redoubled its support to the health emergency, using as a guide the National Plan for the containment and control of COVID-19 in the country and the priorities or critical needs of MINSAP/MINED and other bodies.

In this respect, she highlighted the support provided by the Country Office to Cuba with an oxygen plant, 14,304 PCR kits, water storage means to improve hygiene conditions, antibacterial gel and dispensers, 1,300,000 syringes and supplies for the strengthening of the cold chain in support of the vaccination campaign. UNICEF also contributed with oxygen concentrators for pediatric use, personal hygiene modules, masks and protection equipment for 12,200 healthcare professionals.

The Representative also mentioned UNICEF’s accompaniment in the continuance of education actions and the capacity for attention in the return to schools, with infrared thermometers, recreation kits, school materials and work developed from multiplatforms for the educational support of families, in which guidance was offered to parents and caregivers. On the other hand, the training of educational agents in early childhood from all of the country’s provinces was intensified, as well as for professionals on responsible parenting and quality education in early childhood, among other contributions.

Alejandra Trossero highlighted the work carried out for the strengthening of protective environments for children and adolescents in the provinces of La Habana and Granma with actions for the prevention of violence and in alliance with CENESEX, the a+ Adolescentes Center and other institutions, while resources were offered to families and caregivers on respectful upbringing.

During 2021, UNICEF Cuba’s contribution was carried out through the reprogramming of regular resources and the mobilizing of financial resources.

At the event, the new Representative stated, “UNICEF will continue to work with a special emphasis on the protection of the rights of children, promoting the constant strengthening of the healthcare system, supporting the continuous improvement of inclusive quality education, promoting respectful upbringing models and preventing violence in all its forms, so as to go on working for the well-being of Cuban children and adolescents. We will continue to reimagine our work model to keep promoting the rights of all children and adolescents.

Ms. Trossero, an Argentine national, has more than 20 years of professional experience in the areas of public health, HIV, adolescent development and children’s rights. She joined UNICEF in 2016 as Regional Adolescents and HIV Specialist for Latin America and the Caribbean, providing technical leadership to 24 country offices and acted as interim UNICEF Representative in Panama in 2021. She previously worked at the UNDP’s Regional Center for Latin American and the Caribbean in Panama, as a Specialist in HIV, Health and Development Policies.

The UNICEF Representative has vast experience in the designing, execution and evaluation of development programs on the worldwide, regional and national levels. Prior to her return to Latin America in 2013, she was Programs Director at the Regional Office for East and South East Asia and Oceania of the International Planned Parenthood Federation, based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She acted as Senior Advisor for HIV Programs at several international organizations where her work was focused on the integration of HIV services to existing primary healthcare systems, in countries of Sub-Saharan Africa and in Asia. She previously worked in the Latin American region in a program for the strengthening of capacities of organizations doing work related to HIV.

Alejandra holds a master’s degree by research in reproductive and sexual health from University College London and is a psychologist, graduated from the National University of Rosario, Argentina.