Call for Expressions of Interest Promoting Child Development and Survival – Sool Region (Somalia)

Deadline: 06-Jan-2026

The UNICEF Promoting Child Development and Survival Programme in Somalia focuses on improving child health, nutrition, and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) through an equity-driven, climate-resilient approach. The programme targets vulnerable populations with integrated interventions, aiming to strengthen systems, reduce child morbidity and mortality, and achieve national and regional health and nutrition goals by 2030. Key 2026–2027 targets include maternal care, immunization, malnutrition prevention, and sustainable WASH infrastructure.

Overview of the Programme

The Promoting Child Development and Survival Programme is implemented by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) in Somalia. The programme targets Health, Nutrition, and WASH to ensure children and families access essential services while building resilient systems. It focuses on:

• Reducing child morbidity and mortality

• Strengthening health, nutrition, and WASH systems

• Supporting inclusive innovations to reach vulnerable populations

Health Sector Interventions

The health component prioritizes:

• Adolescent health and sexual/reproductive health

• Child health and immunization

• Maternal and newborn care, including emergency obstetric services

Key 2026–2027 Health Targets:

• 20,000 pregnant women delivering with skilled birth attendants

• 1 million outpatient consultations at primary health facilities

• 908,000 children vaccinated against polio

• 80% immunization coverage for children and adolescents

• 607,000 children receiving DTP-containing vaccines

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

Nutrition Sector Interventions

The nutrition component addresses:

• Infant and young child feeding

• Prevention and treatment of malnutrition

• Nutrition during emergencies

Key 2026–2027 Nutrition Targets:

• 20,000 children under five benefiting from early stimulation, nurturing care, and parenting support

• 500,000 children reached through the First Food initiative

• 800,000 children receiving interventions for early detection and treatment of wasting

• 200,000 adolescent girls and women receiving iron and micronutrient supplementation

WASH and Environmental Interventions

The WASH sector focuses on:

• Safe and sustainable water access

• Basic sanitation and hygiene

• Emergency WASH services

Key 2026–2027 WASH Targets:

• 1 million children accessing climate-resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure

• 1 million children provided with safely managed drinking water

• 500,000 children gaining access to basic sanitation and hygiene services, including schools and health/nutrition centers

Who is Eligible?

• Children, adolescents, and pregnant or breastfeeding women in Somalia

• Caregivers, families, and communities in vulnerable areas

• Health, nutrition, and WASH service providers collaborating with UNICEF in targeted regions

Why It Matters

• Addresses root causes of child morbidity and mortality

• Strengthens health, nutrition, and WASH systems for long-term resilience

• Promotes equity by targeting the most vulnerable populations

• Contributes to national and regional Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

How the Programme Works

1. Integrated planning across Health, Nutrition, and WASH sectors

2. Implementation of evidence-based interventions and innovative solutions

3. Monitoring and evaluation against national and regional targets

4. Continuous adaptation through project agreements and concept notes

5. Collaboration with local authorities, communities, and service providers

H2: Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not aligning project proposals with national or regional targets

• Failing to incorporate equity and inclusion strategies

• Ignoring climate-resilience and sustainability requirements

• Underestimating monitoring and reporting needs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What age groups are targeted?
A: Children under five, adolescents, and pregnant/breastfeeding women.

Q2: Which regions in Somalia are prioritized?
A: Programme focuses on targeted regions based on vulnerability and service gaps; regional targets are refined during project agreements.

Q3: Are emergency interventions included?
A: Yes, WASH and nutrition include emergency response to humanitarian crises.

Q4: How are programme outcomes measured?
A: Through national and regional targets, monitoring service delivery, vaccination coverage, nutrition outcomes, and WASH access.

Q5: Can communities directly participate?
A: Yes, caregiver and community engagement is central to implementation.

Q6: What is the timeframe for key targets?
A: Strategic targets are set for 2026–2027; broader outcomes are projected through 2030.

Q7: How does the programme support sustainability?
A: By building resilient health, nutrition, and WASH systems and integrating climate-resilient infrastructure.

Conclusion

The Promoting Child Development and Survival Programme ensures Somali children, adolescents, and mothers access essential health, nutrition, and WASH services. By integrating interventions, building resilient systems, and prioritizing equity, the programme aims to achieve long-term improvements in child survival and well-being, supporting Somalia’s progress toward national and global development goals.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.