Galen University and UNICEF Launch Network to Address Children’s Safety in Emergencies

Galen University and UNICEF Belize have teamed up to launch the Avoidable Deaths Network (ADN), an entity formed to address the critical challenges facing children and adolescents in emergency and disaster situations. Galen announced the new partnership on Tuesday and outlined initiatives in the pipeline that will establish the ADN as a regional beacon for disaster risk reduction. The ADN will be addressing disaster deaths as a public health concern and will be working to implement the goals and targets of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, a global blueprint for reducing disaster risk and building resilience. Galen University will be holding capacity-building training for officials and communities in the area of disaster preparedness, in collaboration with UNICEF Belize and the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO). President of Galen University, Dr. Rene Villanueva, said quote “Galen University is honored to partner with UNICEF Belize in launching the ADN Galen University, Belize chapter. By prioritizing the safety and well-being of children and youth, we aim to build a more resilient future for all Belizeans.” Galen University will additionally be working along with the Department of Transport, to advocate for road safety policies geared towards protecting young lives on the roads.