UNITED NATIONS GIRLS EDUCATION INITIATIVE

Lebanon has achieved most of the goals of the World Summit for Children. The infant mortality rate (IMR) and under-five mortality rate (U5MR) have steadily declined with no significant gender disparity. National immunization coverage is 96 per cent, and no cases of polio have been recorded since 1994. Most national nutrition goals have been achieved for both boys and girls. Nearly all pregnant women have access to prenatal care and trained attendants during childbirth. Ninety-eight per cent of children aged six to 11 are at school, with no gender disparities, and 91 per cent of children aged three to five are enrolled in pre-schools and child-care programmes.

However the country requires major reconstruction and rehabilitating, revitalizing key social sectors and stimulating economic growth. This includes plans to rehabilitate water networks and school buildings, improve school programmes and rehabilitate the healthcare infrastructure. UNICEF will also contribute to raising awareness on landmines; increasing access to safe water and sanitation as part of the child-care and development programme; and expanding interventions specifically designed for disadvantaged groups in these regions.