Call for EOIs: CSO Partner for MNCH and Nutrition Services (Cambodia)

Deadline: 27-Feb-2026

UNICEF is seeking a civil society organization (CSO) partner to strengthen maternal, newborn, and child health and nutrition (MNCH) services in selected provinces of Cambodia. With an indicative budget of 504,728.24, the initiative focuses on primary health care system strengthening, health worker capacity building, and community-based social and behavior change interventions through 2028.

Overview

UNICEF is inviting civil society organizations (CSOs) to partner in strengthening maternal, newborn, and child health and nutrition (MNCH) services in selected provinces of Cambodia.

The initiative aims to improve health system capacity, enhance equitable access to quality primary health care (PHC), and increase community engagement in underserved and hard-to-reach areas.

Indicative Budget

• Total budget: 504,728.24

• Implementation period: Through 2028

• Geographic focus: Selected northeastern and southern provinces

Target Provinces

The program focuses on provinces with persistent health disparities:

• Kratie

• Ratanakiri

• Mondolkiri

• Takeo

• Stung Treng

These areas face:

• Higher maternal mortality rates

• Persistent child wasting

• Limited access to quality PHC services

• Socioeconomic and cultural barriers

• Geographic isolation

• Service disruptions linked to recent conflicts

Background and Context

Cambodia has achieved major progress in reducing under-five and neonatal mortality, meeting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ahead of schedule.

However:

• Maternal mortality has stagnated.

• Child wasting remains a concern.

• Rural and marginalized populations face inequities in access.

This initiative aligns with:

• Cambodia’s Primary Health Care Booster Implementation Framework

• Policy on Community Participation in Health

Program Objectives

The partnership aims to:

1. Strengthen sub-national health system management and coordination

2. Improve technical capacity of healthcare providers

3. Enhance quality and accessibility of MNCH and nutrition services

4. Increase community awareness and care-seeking behavior

5. Promote equitable access in remote and underserved communities

By 2028, targeted provinces are expected to demonstrate improved delivery of inclusive reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health services within primary health care systems.

Key Focus Areas

1. Maternal and Newborn Health

• Emergency obstetric care

• Postpartum hemorrhage management

• Labor monitoring

• Antenatal care (ANC)

• Postnatal care (PNC)

2. Child Health and Immunization

• Routine immunization

• Vitamin A supplementation

• Deworming

• Integrated outreach services

3. Nutrition

• Infant and young child feeding (IYCF)

• Nutrition screening

• Management of child wasting

• Social and behavior change for improved nutrition

4. Primary Health Care Strengthening

• Quality improvement systems

• Supportive supervision

• Capacity development of health workers

• Integrated service delivery

5. Community Engagement

• Mother classes

• Community mobilizer orientation

• Risk communication

• Feedback mechanisms

• Social and behavior change communication (SBCC)

Expected Results by 2028

Health System Strengthening

Sub-national health systems will:

• Improve management and coordination capacity

• Strengthen technical competencies

• Deliver inclusive MNCH and nutrition services

Health Worker Capacity Development

At least 386 health workers will be trained and coached on:

• Lifesaving equipment use

• Non-pneumatic anti-shock garments (for postpartum hemorrhage)

• Electronic fetal heart rate monitors (for labor monitoring)

Community-Level Improvements

• Increased participation in mother classes

• Improved care-seeking behaviors

• Enhanced community understanding of measles, dengue, and other health risks

• Functional feedback systems for MNCH services

Community-Based Interventions Explained

Mother Classes

Structured community sessions to educate:

• Mothers

• Fathers

• Caregivers

Topics include:

• Maternal health

• Child nutrition

• Immunization importance

• Disease prevention

• Appropriate health facility use

Risk Communication & Community Engagement

Community mobilizers will:

• Disseminate lifesaving MNCH information

• Promote infant and young child feeding practices

• Address misinformation

• Strengthen trust in primary health care services

Feedback Mechanisms

Systems will be established for:

• Parents to share concerns

• Community input into health services

• Service quality improvement

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Registered civil society organizations (CSOs)

• Organizations with demonstrated MNCH expertise

• Entities with experience in health systems strengthening

• Organizations with operational presence in target provinces

• CSOs capable of collaborating with government health actors

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Technical capacity in MNCH and nutrition

• Experience in training and supervision

• Community engagement expertise

• Strong monitoring and evaluation systems

How the Partnership Works (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Selection of CSO Partner

UNICEF selects a qualified civil society organization through a competitive process.

Step 2: Coordination with Government

The CSO works directly with:

• Sub-national health departments

• Healthcare providers

• Community structures

Step 3: Health Worker Training

Implement structured training and coaching programs.

Step 4: Community Outreach

Conduct integrated outreach covering:

• ANC and PNC

• Immunization

• Nutrition screening

• Vitamin A supplementation

• Deworming

Step 5: Social and Behavior Change Programming

Implement SBCC campaigns and mother classes.

Step 6: Monitoring and Feedback

Establish community feedback loops and measure service quality improvements.

Common Implementation Challenges

1. Geographic barriers in remote provinces

2. Cultural practices affecting care-seeking

3. Limited health workforce capacity

4. Weak supervision systems

5. Misinformation about immunization and maternal health

The initiative addresses these through structured capacity building and community engagement.

Why This Partnership Matters

1. Reduces Maternal Mortality

By strengthening emergency obstetric care and lifesaving equipment use.

2. Improves Child Survival and Nutrition

Through integrated outreach and nutrition interventions.

3. Strengthens Primary Health Care Systems

Enhances governance, coordination, and service quality.

4. Promotes Equity

Targets hard-to-reach and marginalized communities.

5. Aligns with National Health Strategies

Supports Cambodia’s PHC Booster Framework and community participation policy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is issuing this opportunity?

UNICEF Cambodia is seeking a civil society partner.

2. What is the total budget?

The indicative budget is 504,728.24.

3. Which provinces are targeted?

Kratie, Ratanakiri, Mondolkiri, Takeo, and Stung Treng.

4. What is the main goal?

To strengthen maternal, newborn, and child health and nutrition services within primary health care systems.

5. How many health workers will be trained?

At least 386 health workers will receive training and coaching.

6. What community activities are included?

Mother classes, risk communication, integrated outreach, and feedback systems.

7. What is the implementation timeline?

The initiative aims to achieve expected results by 2028.

Conclusion

UNICEF’s MNCH partnership opportunity in Cambodia represents a comprehensive approach to strengthening primary health care systems, improving maternal and child health outcomes, and enhancing community engagement in underserved provinces.

With a clear focus on health worker capacity, social and behavior change interventions, and government collaboration, this initiative seeks to close equity gaps and improve life-cycle health outcomes through 2028.

Civil society organizations with strong MNCH and community engagement expertise are well-positioned to drive meaningful impact under this partnership.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.