Islamabad: Sweden has contributed $4.17 million in flexible funding to support UNICEF’s humanitarian response for children in Pakistan, enabling the UN agency to respond more rapidly to climate related and other emergencies affecting vulnerable populations across the country.
The contribution, made through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency under UNICEF’s 2026 Humanitarian Action for Children appeal, is aimed at strengthening delivery of life saving services to children and families facing multiple risks, including climate shocks, displacement and malnutrition.
Pernille Ironside said flexible funding remains critical in a country like Pakistan, where overlapping crises continue to affect millions of children.
“Flexible funding is essential in a context where children face multiple risks. We are grateful to Sweden for its continued support and commitment to the well being of children and their families, allowing us to reach the most vulnerable populations when it matters most,” she said.
UNICEF officials said Sweden’s support in 2025 enabled the agency to respond to flood emergencies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, while also reaching vulnerable communities in Balochistan and Sindh. More than 400,000 people benefited from services including nutrition, health, education, child protection and water and sanitation, while around 25,000 children and caregivers received mental health and psychosocial support.
Alexandra Berg von Linde said Sweden’s humanitarian support is rooted in strengthening resilience and enabling communities to shape their own futures.
“We believe in people, their resilience and their right to build their own future. We are proud to support UNICEF’s work in Pakistan,” she said.
Pakistan continues to face significant child health and nutrition challenges, with around 40 percent of children under five stunted, 66 percent exposed to water scarcity and 47 out of every 1,000 children dying before reaching their first birthday. Access to essential services becomes even more limited during emergencies, particularly in underserved areas.
Officials said the new funding will help expand treatment for children suffering from severe acute malnutrition and strengthen integrated services across health, nutrition, water and sanitation and child protection, contributing to improved child survival and wellbeing.
UNICEF said it will continue to focus on addressing critical gaps in life saving assistance, particularly for children and families affected by emergencies, with flexible funding allowing faster and more targeted responses in high risk settings.
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