Children First Newsletter: Volume 16
Expressing sincere appreciation to our development partners, the private sector and civil society. Your support has kept children at the centre of our work, reflecting our shared vision of a Zimbabwe where every child survives, thrives, and learn
About
Message from the Representative
In 2025, UNICEF felt the effects of global reductions in development assistance; a pressure that significantly constrained our programming and operational activities. These budget cuts came at a time when demands and expectations for children remain high.
In response, we took decisive actions to streamline our processes and adjust staffing levels with a reduction of about 24 percent. We still ensured nevertheless that delivery continued in Health, Nutrition, WASH, Education, Child Protection and Social Protection. Throughout, our priority never shifted – it remained on children first.
We are encouraged by the Government of Zimbabwe’s leadership and commitment to protecting vulnerable children and their families. For example, we were delighted to participate in the organisation of the first Social Protection Week in Zimbabwe. This highlighted the country’s determination to provide safety nets for children and to build resilience in uncertain times, particularly for the most vulnerable.
In health, Government leadership in the national polio and measles campaigns and routine immunization helped protect thousands of children from preventable diseases. In addition, UNICEF’s support to the introduction of the single dose HPV vaccine means that more girls will be protected from cervical cancer.
We emphasized foundational learning during the year, enabling improvements in reading, writing, and numeracy to support continued learning. Together with Government, we opened the first Youth Innovation Hub in the Vocational Training Centre in Ruwa, expanding opportunities for young people to learn and innovate, preparing them for the world of work.
I would like to express sincere appreciation to our development partners, the private sector and civil society. Your support has kept children at the centre of our work, reflecting our shared vision of a Zimbabwe where every child survives, thrives, and learns.
As we look ahead to 2026 – the final year of our current Country Programme - let us sharpen our efficiency and effectiveness, as we strive to transform constraints into opportunities. Together, we can ensure that the rights and well-being of every child remain at the heart of everything we do.
Thank you for walking this journey with us. May 2026 bring us renewed energy to continue delivering for every child.
