The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has revealed plans to reduce its workforce and travel as part of measures to mitigate the effects of funding cuts by the Trump administration. UNICEF Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Gilles Fagninou, made this disclosure during an assessment visit to the organization’s ongoing programs in Borno State, Nigeria.
According to Fagninou, UNICEF is working closely with various governments in Africa to collaborate and mitigate the effects of the funding cuts. “We are patronizing other sources of funding. We are discussing with the Government, and they are taking measures to fill the gap that was created by the cut of funding from the US and others,” he said.
To adapt to the funding constraints, UNICEF is implementing cost-cutting measures. “As a precautionary measure, we are reducing travels, and our workforce to be able to have more efficiency in what we do,” Fagninou explained. Despite these challenges, UNICEF remains committed to its mission. “Humanitarian assistance is extremely important, and that will continue even with funding issues,” he emphasized.
Fagninou commended the efforts of UNICEF Borno in providing health and education programs for repentant Boko Haram members and their families. “I have seen a group of people who are working in this Hajj camp with the minimum they have and are offering support to those who are coming to this camp, and that is what is important,” he concluded.
UNICEF’s strategic plan for 2022-2025 focuses on five goal areas: surviving and thriving, learning and acquiring skills, protection from violence and exploitation, access to safe and equitable water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services, and social protection. Despite funding challenges, UNICEF remains committed to upholding the rights of all children everywhere.