Unicef to give $340m for implementation

Unicef will provide an assistance of US $340 million to Bangladesh under its new country programme for 2017-2020 that introduced a “life cycle” approach in implementing various child-related activities in the country.

Economic Relations Division (ERD) Secretary Kazi Shofiqul Azam and Unicef Representative in Bangladesh Edouard Beigbeder signed an agreement in this regard at the NEC-II conference room in the capital yesterday.

Fifteen ministries and divisions, some city corporations and NGOs/civil society organisations will be engaged in implementing the programme.

Traditionally, Unicef has been working with the Bangladesh government or NGOs based on separate sectors, including health, nutrition and education, said Unicef Communication Manager Shakil Faizullah.

Under the new programme, Unicef will work based on three stages of life -- 0 to 5 years, 6-10 years and 11-18 years. Unicef will provide all sorts of supports to the children they need in different stages, he said.

“For example, children aged 0-5 years will mostly need health and nutrition support while 6-10 would need education and protection,” he added.

The ERD secretary said implementing the new country programme will result in positive changes in the lives of children and mothers.