UNICEF MALAYSIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023
Thank you for protecting children's smiles and nurturing their dreams ❤️
Your compassion and generosity have been the guiding light for countless families and children in need. From the depths of our hearts, we extend our sincerest gratitude for your unwavering support.
Your contributions have achieved remarkable milestones in 2023. Without your steadfast commitment, none of this would have been possible. Huge thanks to you, children's lives have been changed for the better.
CHILDREN IN EMERGENCIES
In 2023, we responded to two emergency crises, and you were ready to help. In conflicts and disasters, children suffer the most. They are especially at risk of disease, malnutrition and violence. Because of your support, we were able to help children affected by crises around the world.
Children of Gaza crisis appeal
In Gaza, where children's lives hang in the balance amidst relentless air strikes and crippling fuel shortages, the need for aid is critical. Thanks to your generous contributions, essential supplies continue to be delivered despite these challenges. Since the conflict began, your support has made a profound impact.
Here are the supplies that have reached those in need, with more on the way:
- Specialized, nutrient-rich food to 36,866 children and 5,962 infants as well as 21,000 pregnant women.
- Medical supplies for 609,000 people.
- Over 1 million doses of vaccines and immunization equipment.
- 245,035 litres of fuel, enabling water wells and desalination plants to produce clean water for over 1.6 million people.
- Winterization items for160,205 children.
Türkiye-Syria earthquake
Millions of children faced desperate conditions following the devastating earthquakes in southeast Türkiye and Syria in February 2023. With your support, our teams on the ground swiftly responded, providing essential aid such as safe water, hygiene kits, vaccines, psychosocial support, and temporary learning centres to 5.6 million people.
Items and services delivered include:
- Clean water for drinking and daily use for 3.3 million people.
- Primary healthcare for nearly 700,000 children and women.
- Education, including early learning, for 550,000 children.
- Malnutrition screening for 400,000 children aged 6 months to 5 years old.
- Mental health and psychosocial support to nearly 400,000 children, adolescents, and caregivers.
UNICEF MALAYSIA HIGHLIGHTS
In 2023, together, we achieved remarkable milestones to improve the lives of children in Malaysia. These accomplishments show our strong commitment to fighting for children's rights and building a better future for all children.
FIGHTING CHILDHOOD OBESITY AMONG CHILDREN IN MALAYSIA
One in three children aged 5 to 17 in Malaysia are overweight or obese, mainly due to unhealthy diets coupled with too much time sitting and using screens. Economic disparities, cultural habits and easy access to unhealthy food make the problem worse.
In response, the Ministry of Health and UNICEF is piloting the C-HAT (Cara Hidup Anda Terbaik) programme to combat childhood obesity. This initiative promotes healthy eating habits and encourages increased physical activity among children. Currently active in 49 schools across 10 states, the programme is helping 2,300 children aged 7 to 12. This marks an important step towards securing a healthier future for our children.
BOOSTING DIGITAL LITERACY FOR MARGINALIZED CHILDREN IN MALAYSIA
The Future Skills for All (FS4A) initiative, with partners like Google, Microsoft, and Apple, has reached 47,750 students and teachers in 3,740 schools.
This programme is boosting digital skills among marginalized children, leveling the playing field in education. As a result, we are giving all young learners the tools they need for a better future.
FS4A is a digital education platform created to support the Ministry of Education through the Digital Educational Learning Initiative Malaysia (DELIMa). This initiative is making a real difference.
HIGHLIGHTING THE VITAL ROLE OF SOCIAL WORKERS IN SUPPORTING VULNERABLE CHILDREN
Developed with the Malaysian Association of Social Workers, the Heroes Among Us campaign spotlighted the vital role of social workers in addressing child abuse, neglect and violence. The campaign achieved significant outreach and media coverage:
- Engaging 3.6 million people through social media.
- Generating 23 newspaper articles and multiple radio and TV interviews.
This enhanced visibility supported crucial advocacy efforts, helping to promote the urgent need for the finalization and tabling of the Social Work Profession Bill, which aims to formalize and recognize the social work profession.
EMPOWERING YOUNG LEADERS IN MALAYSIA'S CLIMATE CONVERSATIONS
UNICEF placed young people across Malaysia at the centre of climate conversations. We trained and actively involved them in global climate discussions and decision-making processes. Here's a snapshot of our achievements:
Global Engagement: Young people took centre stage at major climate events such as Asia-Pacific Climate Week, COP28, and the mid-term review of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.
- Youth Empowered: We trained 4,600 young people, comprising 1,500 youth and 3,100 adolescents, in leadership and advocacy skills.
WORLD CHILDREN'S DAY 2023: EMPOWERING VOICES, PROMOTING RIGHTS, AND FOSTERING INCLUSIVITY
World Children's Day, celebrated annually on 20th November, brings attention to the challenges impacting children's lives and champions their rights. In 2023, we hosted various events to mark this important day.
Children had the opportunity to witness a live parliamentary session in the Dewan Rakyat and interacted with members of Parlimen Malaysia, ensuring their voices were heard. Winning entries from the #PictureMyRights photo contest, which depicted young people's perspectives on children's rights, were exhibited at the Parliament.
Another notable initiative was the Kick for Inclusion football clinic, conducted in collaboration with Johor Darul Ta'zim Football Club to promote inclusivity. Seventy children, aged 7 to 17, with and without disabilities, took part in this programme.
Trained youth coaches from JDT Academy led the sessions, underlining the importance of involving all children in sports and fostering teamwork and support.
SUPPORTING VULNERABLE CHILDREN IN SABAH
UNICEF has a strong, long-term partnership with the Sabah State Government. To support the 12th Malaysia Plan and its Mid-Term Review, UNICEF Malaysia has created a strategic framework and implementation plan. This plan focuses on helping vulnerable children and families in Sabah. Watch the highlight video to learn about the work for children in Sabah in 2023.
DELIVERING CRITICAL SUPPLIES ACROSS MALAYSIA
To enhance healthcare resources across Malaysia, UNICEF facilitated the delivery of critical supplies which includes 13 units of 4x4 vehicles for navigating remote and rugged areas, ensuring healthcare workers can reach even the most isolated communities. It also comprised 125 vaccine carriers to ensure vaccines remain effective during transport, 100 defibrillators (AED) to enhance emergency response capabilities, 100 multi-purpose emergency backpacks equipped with essential medical supplies for quick emergency response, and thousands of examination gloves to maintain hygiene and prevent infections.
This critical supply initiative, valued at RM5.04 million (USD1.1 million), was successfully carried out by the Ministry of Health with support from the Government of Japan and UNICEF.
SUPPLIES THAT CHANGED CHILDREN'S LIVES
With your support and in collaboration with other supporters around the world, RM 24.9 billion (USD 5.244 billion) worth of supplies and services were procured in 2023 for children in 162 countries and areas.
2.790 billion vaccine doses to 105 countries, enough to reach 45 per cent of the world’s children under 5 years old
1.225 billion water purification tablets to 53 countries, enough to treat 26.5 billion litres of water
1.1 billion sachets of ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) to 75 countries
RM 184.6 million (USD 38.7 million) worth of IT equipment for educational purposes to 11 countries
13.4 million long-lasting insecticidal nets to 32 countries
RM 54.29 million (USD 11.4 million) worth of respiratory support devices to 55 countries
2.4 million backpacks to 24 countries
9,006 High performance tents to 58 countries
YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS HAVE MADE A PROFOUND IMPACT IN THE LIVES OF CHILDREN
We cannot thank you enough for your contributions. You have transformed children's lives. Your donations helped raise RM 96.1 million in 2023, impacting children in Malaysia and around the world 💙
In a world where every child deserves a chance, your kindness and generosity have made a lasting impact. Thanks to you, together we have provided safe water, education and healthcare to millions of children around the world. Thank you for being a part of their journey. With you, we can do even more.
