Islamabad: UNICEF and the Muslim World League (MWL) have entered into a $1.5 million agreement aimed at bolstering education and healthcare programs in Pakistan, Chad, and Afghanistan. This initiative was formalized during a conference in Islamabad on girls’ education in Muslim communities.

According to a statement by United Nations Pakistan, the agreement was signed by Abdullah A. Fadil, UNICEF’s Representative to Pakistan, and Dr. Shaima Alluqmani, MWL’s General Manager of Strategic Partnerships. The collaboration highlights efforts to enhance skill-building programs in Chad and Pakistan while focusing on maternal and childcare services in Afghanistan.

The partnership will support Pakistan’s “Green Skills Training Programme for Non-Formal Education Students,” targeting adolescent girls to improve their employability through green and digital skills. In Chad, efforts will center on the “Renovation of Koranic Schools in Lac” program, which includes infrastructure development and teacher training.

In Afghanistan, the focus will be on strengthening healthcare services through the “Improving Quality of Care for Maternal, Newborn and Childcare Health Services” initiative. This program aims to reduce maternal and newborn mortality by improving healthcare facilities and practices.

Dr. Shaima Al-Luqmani emphasized the significance of such agreements in advancing girls’ education and addressing misconceptions about their right to education. The MWL’s longstanding partnership with UNICEF has been pivotal in delivering humanitarian aid and services globally, with an emphasis on sustainable solutions.