UNICEF Supports Training Health Workers to Foster Child Development in Afghanistan
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) representative in Afghanistan has announced that the organization supports training health workers to strengthen children’s growth and development. Tajuddin Oywale stated on his X page on Tuesday evening, June 2, that providing conditions for healthy child development is a priority for UNICEF.
He emphasized that “a happy and healthy childhood is built on play,” adding that UNICEF colleagues have created toys for children using simple and accessible materials, including empty cardboard boxes. According to him, sometimes the simplest items can bring the greatest joy to children.
Two days ago, UNICEF also announced the launch of the “Early Childhood Development Program” in collaboration with the World Bank Group. Under this program, ten thousand parents in six provinces will receive training to enhance their parenting skills.
The organization added that these families are responsible for approximately 20,000 children, and the program aims to provide the best possible start in life for them. Early childhood development programs typically focus on proper nutrition, healthcare, and strengthening cognitive and emotional skills.
This comes as the World Health Organization in Afghanistan reported yesterday that more than three million children in the country are struggling with severe acute malnutrition; a statistic that has heightened concerns about child health conditions and underscored the need for more extensive support programs.
