Children who rely on support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) worldwide including Kenya are facing a threat of limited or no longer getting the support after UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell explained the effects of the anticipated funding cuts.
According to Russell, UNICEF is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from governments, private sector partners, and individuals. However, over the last two years, there have been cuts by numerous donor countries which is limiting its ability to reach millions of children in dire need.
“As needs continue to outpace resources, UNICEF has consistently brought efficiencies and innovations to our work and we have stretched every contribution to reach vulnerable children. But there is no way around it, these new cuts are creating a global funding crisis that will put the lives of millions of additional children at risk,” Rusell revealed in an official statement.
Children around the world, especially those under five years old, have benefited from the support of UNICEF which saved their lives, helped ensure infectious diseases do not spread across borders, and helped mitigate the risks of instability and violence.