Deadline: 06-Jan-2026
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is implementing the Promoting Child Development and Survival programme in Somalia, focusing on health, nutrition, and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene). The initiative targets vulnerable populations in Togdheer and other high-priority areas, aiming to improve child survival, development, and overall family well-being by 2030 through integrated, climate-resilient, and equity-driven interventions.
Overview of the Programme
UNICEF’s Promoting Child Development and Survival programme is a multi-sectoral initiative designed to improve the health, nutrition, and overall well-being of children and families in Somalia. The programme prioritizes the Togdheer region, alongside other vulnerable areas, to ensure interventions reach populations with the greatest need. The programme focuses on three core sectors: 1. Health – Adolescent and maternal care, child health, immunization, reproductive health, and emergency obstetric services. 2. Nutrition – Infant and young child feeding, malnutrition prevention and treatment, and nutrition support in emergencies. 3. WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) – Safe water access, basic sanitation, hygiene promotion, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Key Objectives
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Strengthen national and local health, nutrition, and WASH systems.
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Address root causes of poor child health outcomes.
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Promote inclusive, innovative solutions for marginalized populations.
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Integrate services to achieve sustainable improvements in child survival and development.
Who is Eligible?
The programme primarily serves:
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Children under five years of age.
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Pregnant and breastfeeding women.
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Adolescents and caregivers.
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Vulnerable and marginalized populations, including those in humanitarian settings.
How the Programme Works
The programme operates through an integrated, multi-sectoral framework:
1. Health Interventions
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Provide maternal and newborn care, including skilled birth attendants for 20,000 pregnant women (2026–2027).
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Offer primary health consultations to one million people.
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Ensure immunization coverage: vaccinate 900,000 children against polio and reach 600,000 children with DTP-containing vaccines.
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Promote adolescent health and reproductive health services.
2. Nutrition Interventions
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Support early childhood development, reaching 20,000 children under five with childcare services, early stimulation, and parenting support.
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Implement the First Food initiative, reaching 500,000 children across 15 districts to prevent stunting.
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Provide treatment for child wasting for 800,000 children.
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Supply iron-containing supplements to 200,000 adolescent girls and women.
3. WASH and Climate-Resilient Services
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Provide safe, climate-resilient water and sanitation services to one million children.
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Deliver basic sanitation and hygiene services to 500,000 people, including in schools, health facilities, and nutrition centers.
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Promote safe hygiene behaviors, even during humanitarian emergencies.
Why It Matters
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Reduces child morbidity and mortality by addressing interlinked health, nutrition, and WASH needs.
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Promotes equity by targeting marginalized and vulnerable populations.
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Strengthens resilience against climate-related risks in health and sanitation infrastructure.
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Supports long-term national goals, aligning with Somalia’s 2026–2030 Country Programme for child well-being.
Key Targets (2026–2027)
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20,000 pregnant women assisted by skilled birth attendants.
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One million outpatient consultations at primary health facilities.
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900,000 children vaccinated against polio; 600,000 children reached with DTP vaccines.
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20,000 children receive early childhood development support.
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500,000 children benefit from the First Food initiative.
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800,000 children screened and treated for wasting.
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200,000 adolescent girls and women receive iron supplements.
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One million children gain access to climate-resilient WASH infrastructure.
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500,000 people provided with basic sanitation and hygiene services.
Common Tips and Considerations
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Ensure all interventions are community-driven to increase uptake.
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Maintain regular monitoring and evaluation to track impact.
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Prioritize coordination across sectors (health, nutrition, WASH) to maximize results.
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Incorporate climate resilience and sustainability in all infrastructure projects.
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Focus on equity: reach marginalized, displaced, and high-risk populations first.
FAQ
1. What regions does the programme focus on? Primarily the Togdheer region and other high-priority vulnerable areas in Somalia.
2. Who benefits from the programme? Children under five, pregnant and breastfeeding women, adolescents, caregivers, and marginalized communities.
3. How is the programme funded and implemented? UNICEF leads implementation in collaboration with national and local partners, aligned with Somalia’s 2026–2030 Country Programme.
4. What health services are provided? Maternal and newborn care, child health services, immunizations, reproductive health services, and emergency obstetric care.
5. How does the programme address nutrition? Through early childhood development, malnutrition prevention, treatment for wasting, iron supplementation, and the First Food initiative.
6. What WASH interventions are included? Safe water access, basic sanitation, hygiene promotion, climate-resilient services, and infrastructure in schools, health centers, and nutrition facilities.
7. What are the long-term goals? Ensure equitable access to high-quality health, nutrition, and WASH services, reduce child mortality, prevent malnutrition, and build resilient systems by 2030.
Conclusion
UNICEF’s Promoting Child Development and Survival programme in Somalia offers a holistic, integrated, and climate-resilient approach to improving child survival, nutrition, and overall well-being. By 2030, the programme aims to ensure equitable access to essential health, nutrition, and WASH services, particularly for the most vulnerable populations, supporting a future where Somali children not only survive but thrive.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.