UNICEF’s New Country Representative Pledges Stronger Partnership with Zambia
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, S.C., MP, today received Letters of Credence from Her Excellency Dr. Saja Farooq Abdullah, the newly appointed UNICEF Country Representative to the Republic of Zambia.
In his remarks, Hon. Haimbe expressed the Government’s appreciation for UNICEF’s long-standing partnership in promoting and safeguarding the rights and well-being of children in Zambia.
He reaffirmed President Hakainde Hichilema’s commitment to ending early, child, and forced marriages through continuous engagement with traditional leaders and community structures.
The Minister highlighted Zambia’s significant progress in advancing child welfare and reiterated the Government’s dedication to strengthening cooperation with UNICEF to further improve children’s lives across the country.
In response, Dr. Abdullah commended Zambia for its remarkable strides in child development since the establishment of the UNICEF Country Office in 1964. She noted that child mortality has fallen dramatically—from 191 to 42 deaths per 1,000 live births—reflecting the nation’s sustained commitment to child health and welfare.
Dr. Abdullah also congratulated Zambia on the enactment of the Children’s Code Act, describing it as a strong demonstration of the Government’s resolve to uphold child rights in accordance with international standards.
She reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting Zambia’s development agenda, noting that despite ongoing reforms and financial constraints within the United Nations system, Africa remains a key priority under UNICEF’s new strategic framework.
