Call for EOIs: Promoting Child Development and Survival – Middle Juba Region (Somalia)

Deadline: 06-Jan-2026

UNICEF’s Promoting Child Development and Survival programme in the Middle Juba regions of Somalia delivers integrated Health, Nutrition, and WASH services for children, adolescents, and families. The initiative aims to reduce child morbidity and mortality, strengthen resilient health systems, and provide equitable access to high-quality care by 2030. Key interventions include maternal and child health, immunization, nutrition support, and climate-resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene services.

Programme Overview

The Promoting Child Development and Survival programme is implemented in Somalia across Gobolka Jubbada Dhexe and Gobolka Jubbada Hoose. It targets communities affected by vulnerability and limited access to essential services. By integrating Health, Nutrition, and WASH interventions, the programme contributes to the 2026–2030 Country Programme vision for child well-being, adopting a holistic, equity-driven, and climate-resilient approach.

Key Focus Areas

Health

• Adolescent Health: Sexual and reproductive health education and services.

• Child Health: Immunizations, routine check-ups, and disease prevention.

• Maternal and Newborn Health: Skilled birth attendance, emergency obstetric care, and reproductive health services.

Nutrition

• Infant and Young Child Feeding: Promoting safe and nutritious feeding practices.

• Malnutrition Prevention and Treatment: Timely detection and treatment of wasting and other malnutrition forms.

• Nutrition in Emergencies: Rapid response interventions in humanitarian situations.

• Micronutrient Supplementation: Targeted for adolescent girls and women.

WASH and Environment

• Basic Sanitation and Hygiene Promotion: Ensuring safe hygiene practices at community level.

• Climate-Resilient Water and Sanitation: Sustainable infrastructure for safe water and sanitation.

• WASH in Emergencies: Ensuring access to safe water and hygiene services during crises.

Who Is Benefiting?

• Children under five years of age.

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women.

• Adolescents and caregivers in vulnerable communities.

• Residents of Middle Juba regions with limited access to essential services.

Why It Matters

• Reduces child morbidity and mortality by addressing root causes.

• Strengthens resilient health and nutrition systems.

• Promotes equitable access to essential health, nutrition, and WASH services.

• Supports climate-resilient, sustainable interventions, including emergency response readiness.

Programme Targets for 2026–2027

• 20,000 pregnant women assisted by skilled birth attendants.

• 1 million people accessing outpatient primary healthcare.

• 907,485 children vaccinated against polio.

• 80% immunization coverage among children and adolescents.

• 607,485 children receiving DTP-containing vaccines.

• 90% of malaria-positive cases receiving first-line treatment.

• 20,000 children under five receiving early stimulation and nurturing care.

• Large-scale nutrition first food interventions and wasting treatment.

• Micronutrient supplementation for adolescent girls and women.

• Expanded climate-resilient WASH, health, and education infrastructure and services.

How the Programme Works

1. Integrated Service Delivery: Combines Health, Nutrition, and WASH interventions for maximum impact.

2. Community Engagement: Reaches vulnerable populations, ensuring inclusion of hard-to-reach groups.

3. System Strengthening: Supports local health facilities and multi-sectoral systems to deliver sustainable services.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation: Tracks progress against national targets and adjusts interventions as needed.

5. Emergency Preparedness: Ensures continuity of services during humanitarian crises.

Common Tips and Considerations

• Focus on integrated service delivery rather than isolated interventions.

• Prioritize vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations.

• Ensure interventions are equity-driven and climate-resilient.

• Maintain rigorous monitoring and reporting for national targets.

FAQ

1. Which regions are covered by the programme?

• Gobolka Jubbada Dhexe and Gobolka Jubbada Hoose (Middle Juba, Somalia).

2. Who benefits from the programme?

• Children under five, pregnant and breastfeeding women, adolescents, and caregivers in vulnerable communities.

3. What types of health services are provided?

• Immunizations, maternal and newborn care, adolescent sexual and reproductive health, and malaria treatment.

4. How does the programme address nutrition?

• Supports infant and young child feeding, prevents and treats malnutrition, provides micronutrient supplementation, and delivers nutrition in emergencies.

5. What WASH services are included?

• Safe water supply, sanitation facilities, hygiene promotion, and climate-resilient infrastructure, including emergency interventions.

6. What are the main goals by 2030?

• Equitable access to high-quality health, nutrition, and WASH services, improved health outcomes, and climate-resilient service delivery.

7. How are vulnerable populations reached?

• Through inclusive, community-based interventions, strengthened local systems, and emergency response mechanisms.

Conclusion

UNICEF’s Promoting Child Development and Survival programme in Middle Juba delivers integrated Health, Nutrition, and WASH interventions to strengthen systems, reduce child morbidity and mortality, and provide equitable access to essential services. By 2030, the programme aims to ensure that Somali children, adolescents, and families benefit from resilient, inclusive, and climate-resilient health and community systems, supporting long-term well-being and sustainable development.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.