‘Child mortality in the Sultanate cut by almost three quarters’
MUSCAT: Oman has reduced the mortality rate for children under five years of age by 70 per cent, from 1990 level, according to a statement released by Unicef on its official Twitter account.
In its statement, the organisation said: “All children have the right to survive and thrive. But many do not make it past their first year. Luckily, Oman’s efforts in providing quality and accessible healthcare services have succeeded in reducing the children under-5 mortality rate by 70 per cent, since 1990 to date.”
The figures showcased the Sultanate’s strong primary healthcare system, which has enjoyed rapid growth since 1970.
Unicef ’s statement follows the recent signing of an agreement between the international organisation and the Sultanate. Officially known as the “National Programme Action Plan”, the agreement focuses on development during early childhood, protection of children from violence, and integration of children with special needs.
The agreement was signed by Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, and Lana Al Wreikat, Unicef ’s representative in Oman.
Child health
After the official signing, Al Wreikat said: “This programme aims to support Unicef ’s efforts to promote broader child services and help achieve sustainable development goals, particularly those related to children’s health, nutri- tion, education and protection.”
She explained that the partnership and the focus of the national programme could develop steadily over the years to address the emerging issues and challenges for children in high-income countries. She also noted that Unicef has a long-standing partnership with the Sultanate that began in 1971 through the Gulf-based office in Abu Dhabi, followed by the opening of a Unicef Office in Muscat in 1982.