Deadline: 06-Jan-2026
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has launched the Child Development and Survival (CPD) programme in Somalia’s Galguduud region. The initiative targets health, nutrition, and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) sectors, aiming to reduce child morbidity and mortality while promoting equitable, climate-resilient, and integrated services for vulnerable populations. By 2030, the programme seeks to ensure access to quality health care, nutrition support, and safe water for Somali children and families.
Overview
The Promoting Child Development and Survival (CPD) programme is a multi-sectoral initiative by UNICEF, designed to enhance child well-being in Somalia. Focusing on the Galguduud region, the programme aligns with the 2026–2030 Country Programme vision, aiming to reduce child morbidity and mortality, strengthen health, nutrition, and WASH systems, promote equity and inclusion for the most vulnerable populations, and integrate climate-resilient approaches into service delivery. The programme is holistic, equity-driven, and targets systemic challenges that affect child survival and development.
Key Sectors and Objectives
Health Sector Focus
The health component of the CPD programme prioritizes maternal and newborn care including emergency obstetric services, child health services such as immunization and outpatient care, and adolescent and reproductive health services.
Goals for 2026–2027 include:
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20,000 births assisted by skilled birth attendants
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1,000,000 outpatient consultations at primary health facilities
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907,485 children vaccinated against polio
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80% immunization coverage among children and adolescents
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607,485 children receiving DTP-containing vaccines
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90% of malaria-positive individuals receiving first-line treatment
By 2030, Somali mothers and children are expected to have equitable access to high-quality primary health care within a resilient and responsive health system.
Nutrition Sector Goals
Nutrition interventions target infant and young child feeding, malnutrition prevention and treatment, and nutrition support in emergencies.
2026–2027 targets include:
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20,000 children under five receiving early stimulation and parenting support
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500,000 children benefiting from the First Food initiative
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800,000 children under five receiving early detection and treatment of wasting
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200,000 adolescent girls and women receiving iron and micronutrient supplements
By 2030, multi-sectoral systems will ensure safe, nutritious foods and prevent malnutrition across vulnerable populations.
WASH and Environmental Focus
The programme emphasizes access to safe drinking water, basic sanitation and hygiene promotion, and climate-resilient WASH infrastructure in schools and health centers.
2026–2027 objectives:
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1,000,000 children provided with safe drinking water
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500,000 children accessing basic sanitation and hygiene services
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Promotion of safe hygiene behaviors in families and communities
By 2030, children and families are expected to use affordable, sustainable, and climate-resilient WASH services.
Who is Eligible?
The CPD programme targets vulnerable populations in Somalia, specifically children under five years of age, pregnant and breastfeeding women, adolescents requiring health or nutrition support, and families in underserved communities in Galguduud.
Why It Matters
The programme addresses key challenges affecting Somalia’s children, including high rates of child morbidity and mortality, malnutrition and anemia in women and children, limited access to safe water, sanitation, and healthcare, and climate-related vulnerabilities affecting service delivery. By integrating health, nutrition, and WASH services, the programme ensures sustainable, long-term improvements in child well-being.
How the CPD Programme Works
The programme follows a multi-step, integrated approach:
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Assessment and Planning: Local governments coordinate services based on community priorities.
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Service Delivery: Health, nutrition, and WASH services are provided at clinics, schools, and community centers.
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Capacity Building: Training for healthcare workers, nutritionists, and WASH technicians.
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Partnerships: Collaboration with local food companies to produce nutritious first foods and supplements.
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Monitoring and Evaluation: Progress tracked against targets for health, nutrition, and WASH outcomes.
Common Mistakes or Tips
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Mistake: Assuming services are limited to health clinics. Tip: The programme also delivers services in schools and community centers.
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Mistake: Overlooking nutrition in emergencies. Tip: Ensure children and pregnant women receive targeted supplements during crises.
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Mistake: Neglecting WASH behaviors. Tip: Promote hygiene practices alongside infrastructure improvements.
FAQ
Q1: What is the CPD programme? A: It is a UNICEF initiative in Somalia that integrates health, nutrition, and WASH services to reduce child mortality and improve well-being.
Q2: Which region does it focus on? A: The programme is primarily implemented in the Galguduud region of Somalia.
Q3: Who benefits from the programme? A: Children under five, pregnant and breastfeeding women, adolescents, and vulnerable families.
Q4: What are the key health targets? A: Immunization, skilled birth attendance, outpatient consultations, and malaria treatment.
Q5: How does the programme address nutrition? A: Through early child feeding initiatives, malnutrition treatment, micronutrient supplementation, and First Food programs.
Q6: What WASH improvements are planned? A: Provision of safe drinking water, basic sanitation, climate-resilient infrastructure, and hygiene promotion.
Q7: How does the programme ensure sustainability? A: Through local governance coordination, community engagement, climate-resilient solutions, and partnerships with local food companies.
Conclusion
The UNICEF CPD programme in Galguduud represents a comprehensive, integrated effort to improve child survival, development, and well-being in Somalia. By combining health, nutrition, and WASH services with local governance and climate-resilient strategies, the programme ensures equitable access to essential services, empowering communities and transforming child outcomes by 2030.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
