Khartoum: Sudan's Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, Al-Zain Ibrahim Hussein, received UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, Etleva Kadilli, at his office. The meeting, attended by Mohamed Jalal, an adviser at the Sudanese Embassy, included several officials from UNICEF.
According to Sudan News Agency, the ambassador praised UNICEF's efforts in supporting children and mothers in Sudan, particularly in the health and education sectors. He expressed gratitude for the organization's role in facilitating the Sudanese Secondary School Certificate examinations for students in eastern Chad last year. Additionally, he welcomed the resumption of UNICEF's operations from its Khartoum office as part of the return of international organizations and diplomatic missions. Al-Zain assured that the relevant authorities are committed to providing necessary facilities and protection for international premises and staff.
The ambassador highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation between UNICEF and Sudanese institutions, especially the ministries of health, education, and social development, along with agencies dedicated to the protection of women and children. This collaboration aims to ensure that assistance reaches those in need.
Al-Zain updated Kadilli on the developments in Sudan, detailing the government's efforts to provide essential services and facilitate the safe return of refugees and internally displaced persons to their homes. He emphasized the need for international support to restore normalcy by reopening schools and rehabilitating hospitals.
Kadilli reiterated UNICEF's commitment to meeting the needs of children and mothers in Sudan by providing humanitarian assistance. She expressed eagerness to expand UNICEF's reach across the country and welcomed the recent efforts to foster political dialogue, highlighting their positive impact on humanitarian operations.