Makerere University and United Nations International Child Emergency Fund (UNICEF) on Thursday 14, signed a two year renewable Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at collaborating on advancing child rights and well-being through research, capacity building, policy advocacy and innovation.
The MoU signing which took place in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom was signed by Professor Barnabas Nawangwe the University’s Vice Chancellor and Doctor. Robin Nandy the UNICEF representative to Uganda and was witnessed by some representatives from both parties.
This will strengthen evidence-based policy and program design to improve the lives of children in the Pearl of Africa as well as contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
Makerere and UNICEF under this partnership, will address many challenges faced by children but among the key areas include; Child-focused academic research and data generation to inform policies and programs, Analysis of child-related interventions in health, nutrition, education, and protection, Professionalization of the social sector workforce through training, curriculum development, and performance standards.
Development and evaluation of interventions aimed at improving children’s well-being and fulfillment of their rights, Knowledge management for child rights and dissemination to key stakeholders, Policy and legislative advocacy to promote child rights, Promotion of child rights champions within the Makerere University community and Student engagement through internships, skilling opportunities, and communities of practice are also among the key areas set to be addressed.
In his remarks, Professor Nawangwe who was thankful of the longtime collaboration the University has had with UNICEF targeting the well-being of Uganda’s children was happy to sign this MoU which will see them do even more and better with UNICEF for the bright future of our children.
“I believe that working together in a more institutional manner will help us achieve even more in the well-being of the children”
Nawangwe also stressed that it’s a responsibility for all us to ensure that children grow up with good health, correct nutrition, free from negative cultural practices and violence which will build a good future for Uganda.
Dr. Nandy noted that that challenges faced by children today are complex and no single organization can address these challenges singlehandedly.
“Challenges facing children today are complex. From ensuring every child survives and thrives, to providing quality education and protecting them from harm. Then there are cultural and behavioral challenges, such as early child marriages, teenage pregnancy, poor nutritional practices, unhealthy behaviors and various sources of stigma and marginalization of individuals and communities.”
Nandy also added saying that this MoU is more than just a document but rather a commitment to merge academic excellence with practical actions toward ensuring the rights of every child and through this collaboration, UNICEF will harness Makerere’s intellectual power to generate critical research and data on child deprivations and efforts and initiatives to ensure child wellbeing.
Meanwhile, Makerere University School of Public Health has enjoyed a long-standing and impactful partnership with UNICEF, working together to address some of Uganda’s most pressing public health challenges. Since 2016, this collaboration has delivered 25 projects spanning adolescent health, nutrition, newborn and maternal care, disease prevention, and health systems strengthening.
