DHAKA, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Sweden is contributing 150 million Swedish krona (13 million U.S. dollars) to improve the lives of children in Bangladesh through Sweden's partnership with the UN children's agency UNICEF, UNICEF said on Thursday.
The funds will be used to support UNICEF's Country Program in Bangladesh with a focus on health, nutrition, WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) and child protection, it said.
"I am delighted that this substantial contribution of flexible, multi-year funding from the Government of Sweden will enable UNICEF Bangladesh to channel resources where they are needed most," said Sheldon Yett, UNICEF representative to Bangladesh, was quoted as saying in a statement.
UNICEF said it will continue ongoing programs including strengthening primary healthcare, providing safe water and sanitation, and protecting women and children from violence, abuse and neglect.
Swedish Ambassador Alex Berg von Linde said, "Children are our common future. Sweden firmly believes that investing in a safe and healthy environment for children is essential for the wellbeing of society at large."
"I am happy to enter into this partnership with UNICEF, where Sweden can continue to support children's rights and wellbeing in Bangladesh," she added. ■
