Dr. Penelope Campbell begins her tenure as UNICEF Representative in Malawi

The new Representative of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to Malawi, Dr. Penelope Campbell, today presented her letters of accreditation to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Nancy Tembo M.P., officially starting her mission in the country.

Dr. Campbell takes over from Mr. Shadrack Omol, who concluded his tour of duty in February 2025.

Following her meeting with the Foreign Affairs Minister in Lilongwe, Dr. Campbell said she was honoured to lead UNICEF's efforts to advance child rights in Malawi. She reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting the Government of Malawi in improving the lives and wellbeing of every child in the country.

“UNICEF has a long-standing cooperation with the Government of Malawi, which has yielded several gains for children such as reducing child mortality and increasing access to quality education, including foundational learning for the most vulnerable children in rural and poor households,” said Dr. Campbell.

The Representative emphasized that UNICEF stands ready to continue its unwavering collaboration with Malawi's national institutions to ensure all girls and boys in the country, especially the most disadvantaged, realize their rights and fulfil their potential. Dr. Campbell commended the Government of Malawi’s dedication to implementing the Malawi 2063 agenda, noting its crucial role in reducing child poverty and ensuring the full realization of children's rights.

Before her appointment to Malawi, Dr. Campbell served as the UNICEF Representative in Zambia from April 2022 to June 2025, where she championed various programmes supporting the rights and well-being of children and young people. Her extensive experience also includes serving as Chief of Health for UNICEF in Somalia and leading numerous global initiatives focused on health, nutrition, HIV and humanitarian work in countries including Liberia, South Sudan and Myanmar.

Dr. Campbell, of Jamaican and British descent, holds a Doctorate in Public Health from the University of West Indies, a Master of Science in Health Education and Health Promotion and a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Nursing Studies from King’s College, University of London.