Uganda Annual Report 2023
UNICEF’s initiatives have yielded tangible results, with over 14 million children benefiting from quality maternal, neonatal, child and adolescent health care; HIV prevention efforts; nutrition support and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services.
Highlights
As we stand at the midpoint of our collective endeavour to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, it is imperative to reflect on progress and chart a path forward, especially in Uganda where numerous challenges threaten our progress. This year’s annual report meticulously examines both our achievements and the persistent obstacles to ensuring a better future for Uganda’s children.
The country has grappled with a series of crises, from the COVID-19 pandemic to Ebola outbreaks, violence and armed conflicts in neighbouring countries, and environmental upheavals, all of which have tested our resilience and imperiled the gains Uganda made over the years. Despite these setbacks, Uganda has demonstrated commendable commitment by incorporating over 70 per cent of SDG targets into its national development plans, underscoring its dedication to sustainable progress.
In 2023, amidst adversity, we witnessed remarkable resilience and significant accomplishments, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Uganda continued its role as a champion for children’s rights and well-being, advocating for child-centric policies and frameworks in collaboration with the government. Our joint efforts in advocacy and social policy have led to substantial improvements in access to essential services, laying a solid foundation for a brighter future for Uganda’s children.
Notably, UNICEF’s initiatives have yielded tangible results, with over 14 million children benefiting from quality maternal, neonatal, child and adolescent health care; HIV prevention efforts; nutrition support and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. We’ve empowered over 5 million caregivers with crucial knowledge on feeding infants and young children, provided iron supplementation to 1 million pregnant women and administered deworming treatments to more than 14 million children, addressing nutritional deficiencies effectively. Moreover, nearly 100,300 adolescents have received vital digital life skills education, showcasing UNICEF’s significant contribution to advancing the SDGs.
As we embark on 2024, our determination to combat child poverty is unwavering. We are committed to implementing targeted policies and programmes in collaboration with the government and our global partners. Achieving the SDGs necessitates collective and decisive action from all stakeholders.
This is not business as usual; it is a matter of the utmost urgency. We should prioritize financial investments, leverage disaggregated data, and centre our efforts on the most vulnerable, particularly women and children. Together, we have the power to effect profound change in the lives of Uganda’s children and thereby make a substantial contribution to the global pursuit of sustainable development.
