By Leocadia Bongben
The United Nations Children Fund, UNICEF, has begun sensitising reporters in Yaounde on its activities as it turns 60 on December 11.
One of the officers at UNICEF Communication Unit in Yaounde, Gisele Langue Menye, co-chaired the session with Mary Maimo, Communication Officer of the Ministry of Communication, in the Mbangkolo neighbourhood of Yaounde, recently.
Menye outlined the importance of the anniversary celebrations of UNICEF which is the leading crusader for children's welfare in 156 countries, to effect changes in the UN that would soon have UNICEF under the umbrella of one UN and hence one communication.
She said the organisation is the largest provider of vaccines for developing countries through assistance in child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for girls and boys and the protection of children from violence, exploitation and HI/AIDS.
Keep track of your pregnancy with Babies Online's free pregnancy journal, calendar, due date calculators and more!She noted that the organisation has come a long way since inception during the period after the Second World War, and has won the Nobel Peace Prize during the first development decade.
According to her, the organisation gave a new definition to children; an integral part of the development aspect.It advocated for the endorsement of the world declaration on the survival, protection and development of child specific plans such as children in difficult situations.
Given that six of the eight development goals are child related, Menye said in its 2006-2009 plan of action, UNCEF is faced with a number of challenges relating to HIV/AIDS, basic education and gender equality, young child development and survival, child protection and policy analysis, advocacy and partnership for children amongst others.
In Cameroon, UNICEF's action falls within the framework of programmes between the government and UNICEF for a period of five years which started in 1975, and has witnessed some improvement.
These include the eradication of guinea worm, increased coverage rate in the administration of Vitamin A, helping more than 100,000 children to acquire birth certificates, and a draft legislation on child protection code, among others.
Little Knowledge On UNICEF
In spite of the age and activities of the organisation, many Cameroonians know little about UNICEF or its activities in Cameroon.Some people whom The Post contacted said bluntly that they had little knowledge of UNICEF although they were familiar with the name.
Fabrice Menye, a student in one of the schools in Yaounde said: "What I know about UNICEF is that the Barcelona team of Eto'o Fils has UNICEF inscribed on their T-shirts. I hear of UNICEF, but I don't feel concerned."
For Sandrine Bidiace, another student: "UNICEF takes care of abandoned street children."
Jules Badmong at least knows much more about UNICEF. He says: "The organisation is there to advocate for children's rights. UNICEF is concerned with the education and health of children."
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