UN launches two projects to improve healthcare, water, sanitation and support youth empowerment in Karakalpakstan

The two projects were financed  by the UN Multi-Partner Human Security Trust Fund for the Aral Sea within the Third Call for Proposals addressing such priority areas as Youth- Employment and Innovation, Health, and Green Growth.

“Today, we join forces with Government, civil society, and development partners to address the actual needs of people of Karakalpakstan by tackling environmental, health, and social insecurities, with a focus on Nukus city, Kegeyli, Shimbay, Karaozek and Kungrad districts”, said the UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Consuelo Vidal a.i. in Uzbekistan during launch ceremony of new projects.  

The UNICEF, WHO and UNFPA Joint Programme “Laying the foundations for people-centered, climate-resilient primary health care and water, sanitation, and hygiene practices at healthcare facilities and schools in Karakalpakstan” will impact the lives of over 320,000 people, with the introduction of a new Primary Health Care service delivery and financing model, as well as the development of new tools for digitalization.

In addition, as result of these two projects, 241,000 people and 5,000 children and adolescents will benefit from the environment-friendly, sustainable primary care and education facilities, improved access  to  water, sanitation, hygiene infrastructure and health promotion, nutrition and applying  counselling approaches from teachers to students.

Mr. Geoffrey Ijumba, UNICEF Deputy Representative in Uzbekistan underscored: “UNICEF will continually support the Government of Karakalpakstan in improving climate-resilient WASH infrastructure in schools and health facilities. Jointly with WHO and UNFPA, we aim to improve access to essential health services at the primary care level for 320,000 people in Karakalpakstan by December 2023”.

Another UNDP, UNICEF, FAO Joint Programme “Empowering Youth Towards a Brighter Future through Green and Innovative Development of the Aral Sea region” will promote integrated green and innovative resilience building of communities, through empowering rural youth and women, thereby increasing their employment opportunities.

This programme will serve interests of over 4600 people from 3 northern districts of Karakalpakstan- Chimbay, Kegeyli and Karauzyak through the creation of an enabling environment for income generation, employment, social infrastructure and digitalization as well as climate change adaptation measures on the dried bed of the Aral Sea.

About the Aral Sea Trust Fund

The Multi-Partner Human Security Trust Fund for the Aral Sea Region in Uzbekistan, established under the auspices of the United Nations in late 2018, provides an integrated platform for national and international cooperation to address the ecological and socio-economic needs of communities living in the Aral Sea region, as well as to accelerate joint efforts for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Since its establishment the Trust Fund has worked to address food, environment, social, economic, and health insecurities. As of Jan 2023, seven joint programmes amounting to USD 13.5 million have been financed, benefitting over 247,000 people, including youth, women, and the elderly.

https://www.aral.mptf.uz/