About us
UNICEF has been supporting the rights of children in Pakistan since 1948
UNICEF in Pakistan
UNICEF works to promote and protect the rights and wellbeing of children and women in Pakistan. Since 1948, we have been bringing basic services, including education, health, nutrition, protection, water, sanitation, and hygiene to those who are most in need, addressing inequities in each of these areas. UNICEF also provides humanitarian assistance during emergencies.
Together with our partners, we are on the front lines of the battle to eradicate polio in Pakistan, one of only three countries in the world where the disease remains endemic.
With nearly 40 per cent of the country’s population under 18 years, Pakistan has over 80 million children. This makes it imperative for programmes, interventions and policies to champion the rights of the child effectively. UNICEF is committed to supporting the Government of Pakistan to ensure that all girls and boys grow up healthy, well-nourished, well-educated, protected from violence and exploitation, with adequate water and sanitation, and in an environment marked by gender equality and greater equity across geographic and socio-economic lines.
Our Leadership
UNICEF Representative in Pakistan
Ms. Pernille Ironside
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UNICEF Deputy Representative of Programmes
Ms. Sharmeela Rassool
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UNICEF Deputy Representative of Operations in Pakistan
Mr. Mustafa Deniz
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Chief, Polio Team in Pakistan
Melissa Corkum
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Partnerships: At the heart of our work
Partnerships are at the heart of everything UNICEF does. The power of partnerships allows us to expand our reach, working with a wide range of like-minded partners to deliver our mandate for children, in line with our Country Programme.
National development partners
The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan leads our cooperation efforts and is UNICEF’s principal partner. We also collaborate with provincial and local governments, community-based organisations, civil society, non-governmental organisations, United Nations agencies, and other international organisations operating in Pakistan. Together, we strive to equip and empower children and their communities to develop the potential and resources of the country.
Our supporters
UNICEF in Pakistan is supported by generous contributions from governments around the world, a network of UNICEF National Committees, and private foundations.
The following are our major funding partners:
Government: United States, Canada, Japan, United Kingdom, European Union, Pakistan, Denmark, Sweden, and Netherlands.
National Committees: United States National Committee, Canada National Committee, United Kingdom National Committee and Norway National Committee
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): GAVI - the Vaccine Alliance, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and IKEA Foundation