Call for Applications: Strengthening Health Services in Afghanistan

Deadline: 15-Dec-2025

UNICEF, in partnership with the World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB), has launched a call for proposals to improve health service delivery in Afghanistan. The initiative covers 34 provinces from 1 July 2025 to 31 December 2026, focusing on maternal, newborn, and child health, immunization, and emergency healthcare. Qualified NGOs will implement the Basic Package of Health Services (BPHS), the Essential Package of Hospital Services (EPHS), and High-Impact, Value-Added (HIVA) interventions to strengthen healthcare access and outcomes.

Overview of the Initiative

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), together with the World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB), is inviting proposals to enhance health service delivery across Afghanistan. This initiative builds on:

• Health Emergency Response Additional Financing 2 (HER AF2) – a World Bank-funded program

• Strengthening Access to Essential Food Security and Health Services (SAFE) – financed by the ADB

Timeframe: 1 July 2025 – 31 December 2026
Coverage: 34 Afghan provinces

The program focuses on improving equitable access to healthcare, strengthening health systems, and delivering targeted interventions to vulnerable populations.

Key Focus Areas

1. Child Health

• Immunization programs for preventable diseases

• Nutrition support for infants and children

• Pediatric care services

2. Maternal and Newborn Health

• Antenatal and postnatal care

• Emergency obstetric services

• Health education for mothers

3. General Health and Health in Emergencies

• Routine healthcare services

• Emergency response to crises or outbreaks

• Disease surveillance and outbreak management

4. Health Systems Strengthening

• Capacity building for local healthcare providers

• Improving healthcare infrastructure and service delivery

• Training and technical support for NGOs and staff

5. High-Impact, Value-Added (HIVA) Interventions

• Targeted initiatives addressing gaps in BPHS and EPHS

• Innovative strategies for health improvement

• Programs designed to improve maternal, newborn, infant, and child health outcomes

Who is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants:

• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) with experience in health service delivery in Afghanistan

• Organizations capable of delivering BPHS, EPHS, and HIVA interventions

• NGOs with demonstrated capacity for accountability, financial management, and quality assurance

Exclusions:

• For-profit organizations

• Entities without previous healthcare implementation experience

Why This Initiative Matters

• Ensures equitable access to essential health services in underserved provinces

• Reduces maternal, newborn, infant, and child mortality

• Strengthens nutrition programs and improves immunization coverage

• Supports NGOs in delivering quality, accountable healthcare services

• Provides a sustainable model combining strategic oversight, targeted interventions, and capacity building

How to Apply

Step 1: Prepare Proposal

• Demonstrate organizational experience in healthcare delivery

• Outline capacity to deliver BPHS, EPHS, and HIVA interventions

• Include financial management, staffing, and operational plans

Step 2: Submission Guidelines

• Submit through the official UNICEF call for proposals portal

• Include detailed work plans, budgets, timelines, and supporting documents

Step 3: Review Process

• UNICEF evaluates proposals based on capacity, impact potential, feasibility, and alignment with program goals

• Selected NGOs will receive agreements to implement the projects under the contracting-out model

Tips and Common Mistakes

Tips:

• Clearly define geographic and service coverage areas

• Highlight prior experience with maternal, child, and emergency healthcare programs

• Include measurable indicators for program outcomes

Common Mistakes:

• Incomplete documentation or missing supporting evidence

• Lack of clarity on BPHS/EPHS/HIVA implementation strategy

• Ignoring the accountability and reporting requirements

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the role of UNICEF in this initiative?
UNICEF acts as the Executing Agency, coordinating service delivery and overseeing NGO performance.

2. Which provinces are included?
The initiative covers 34 provinces across Afghanistan.

3. What types of health services are prioritized?

• Child health

• Maternal and newborn health

• Immunization

• Health systems strengthening

• Emergency care

4. Can for-profit organizations apply?
No, only NGOs and non-profit entities with proven healthcare experience are eligible.

5. What is the contracting-out model?
UNICEF contracts NGOs as Service Providers, responsible for delivering services while UNICEF monitors quality, accountability, and impact.

6. Are there funding limits for NGOs?
Specific funding allocations will be communicated to selected NGOs based on scope, coverage, and program needs.

7. What outcomes are expected from participating NGOs?

• Increased access to healthcare services

• Reduced maternal and child mortality

• Improved immunization and nutrition coverage

• Strengthened local health system capacity

Conclusion

The UNICEF HER AF2 and SAFE projects represent a major step in enhancing health service delivery across Afghanistan. By partnering with qualified NGOs, this initiative aims to ensure equitable access to essential health services, strengthen healthcare systems, and improve maternal, newborn, infant, and child health outcomes. Service providers play a critical role in delivering targeted, high-impact interventions, fostering sustainable improvements in healthcare access and quality for Afghanistan’s most vulnerable populations.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.