Ten Fun Facts About UNICEF’s 70 Years in Malaysia

Hey everyone! Did you know that UNICEF has been working alongside Malaysia for 70 amazing years? That’s right—UNICEF’s journey in Malaysia has been all about teaming up with the government and local communities to make a big difference for children and young people. Ready to learn some cool facts? Let’s dive in!

1. Rising from the Ashes of WWII

UNICEF was created on 11 December 1946 to help children after World War II.  They started by providing milk, food and support to children in Europe, and soon they were helping children in Malaya, North Borneo (Sabah), and Sarawak in the late 1940s and early 1950s. In 1954, UNICEF officially started its work in Malaya, joining forces with local communities and leaders to make a difference from the get-go.

2. A Historic Partnership

In 1964, just one year after Malaysia was formed, UNICEF and the Malaysian government made history with their first official partnership! Malaysia’s first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, signed the agreement to kick off a new era of collaboration. Together, they focused on rural health, nutrition, and education for children, setting the stage for future successes.

3. Transforming Child Health

From the 1960s to the 1990s, UNICEF and Malaysia’s Ministry of Health with WHO worked hand-in-hand to improve child health.  They introduced growth monitoring, immunization programmes, and breastfeeding initiatives. Thanks to this amazing teamwork, the under-five child mortality rate dropped from 94 per 1,000 live births in 1960 to just 17 in 1990!  This was a huge win for the health and well-being of Malaysia’s children.

4. Educating the Blind

In the 1960s, UNICEF worked with the Ministry of Education and the Department of Social Welfare of the Ministry of Labour to support blind children’s education.  They launched a project to integrate blind students into regular schools, providing Braille equipment and transport with the help of local organizations like the Malayan Association for the Blind. This effort was a big step toward inclusive education for all children!

5. The Child Rights Revolution

In 1989, the UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), a major milestone for children’s rights worldwide. UNICEF and the Malaysian government teamed up to align national programmes with these new child rights principles. Malaysia ratified the CRC on 17 February 1995, and in 2001, introduced the Child Act to protect children’s rights. This partnership helped create a strong legal foundation for children’s rights in Malaysia!

6. Fighting the AIDS Crisis

In the 1990s, Malaysia faced a serious AIDS crisis, and UNICEF teamed up with the government and young Malaysians to tackle it. In addition to the national PROSTAR programme, UNICEF recruited youth volunteers to spread awareness about HIV/AIDS prevention amongst their peers. Celebrities, AIESEC, and the Football Association of Malaysia also got involved! UNICEF also worked with the Ministry of Health and the Royal Malaysia Police to introduce the Harm Reduction Programme to cut down HIV among injecting drug users. The programme was so successful that the government adopted it nationwide!

7. Responding to Natural Disasters

When the Indian Ocean Tsunami struck in 2004, it was a disaster, but UNICEF and Malaysia came together to help. They worked with the government, schools, academia and NGOs to set up emergency preparedness programmes and psychosocial support networks for children affected by the tsunami. Their teamwork provided essential help and hope during those challenging times.

8. Celebrity Champions for Kids

UNICEF has teamed up with some fantastic celebrities to support their cause! In 2005, the 3R TV hosts – Celina, Kartini and Rafidah – became UNICEF Malaysia’s first National Ambassadors. Four years later, in 2009, badminton superstar Datuk Lee Chong Wei joined in.  The beloved animated duo Upin and Ipin became UNICEF Malaysia Ambassadors in 2013, and in 2017, actress Lisa Surihani stepped up as UNICEF Malaysia’s fourth National Ambassador. These celebrities used their platforms to spread awareness and support UNICEF’s work for children.

9. Tackling the Climate Crisis

As climate change became a bigger issue, UNICEF and Malaysia’s young people stepped up to make a difference. They worked together to promote climate education, support disaster risk reduction, and advocate for policies to protect children from climate impacts. Their collaboration aims to create a safer, more sustainable future for everyone.

10. COVID-19 and Beyond

When COVID-19 hit in 2020, UNICEF was right there, working with the Malaysian government, NGOs, and tech companies to help kids keep learning. They promoted innovative digital learning methods to bridge the education gap during the pandemic. Their teamwork made sure that children could continue to learn and grow despite the challenges of the pandemic.

From its beginnings to now, UNICEF’s 70 years in Malaysia are filled with amazing achievements made possible through collaboration with the government and the people of Malaysia. Looking forward, UNICEF is ready to tackle new challenges and ensure every child’s rights are protected. So let’s celebrate their incredible work and look ahead to a future where every child can shine!