Today.Az » Society » UNICEF says Azerbaijan achieves progress on reducing child mortality
13 May 2010 [14:53] - Today.Az
Azerbaijan has made progress on reducing child mortality, UNICEF Regional Director for Central and Eastern Europe/CIS, Mr. Steven Allen said in Baku today.
Allen said Azerbaijan recorded significant progress in reducing child mortality compared to other countries. However, UNICEF expects that the country will not rest on its laurels and will continue its efforts in this direction. Allen also expressed hope that Azerbaijan will achieve significant successes in the areas of education and health.
During his three-day visit, Allen is expected to meet senior Government officials - including the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Health, Social Protection, Education, Youth and Sports, the President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the First Lady Ms. Mehriban Aliyeva, representatives of civil society, the international development community and the United Nations.
During his meetings, Allen mulled the challenges Azerbaijani children face and the work implemented by the government to address them. One of the programs that UNICEF plans to implement in Azerbaijan concerns improving the public awareness on child rights.
Allen expressed regret over the low level of development of preschool education in Azerbaijan, which covers 25-30 percent of eligible children. This issue was discussed at a meeting with Education Minister Misir Mardanov. Allen said UNICEF seeks to address the problem.
Regarding the establishment of the Institute of Child Ombudsman in Azerbaijan, he noted that the decision on this matter is to be made by the Azerbaijani government. UNICEF welcomes the establishment of a special Office of the Ombudsperson for Children's Rights, Allen said.
/Trend/
|
|
