Call for Proposals: Strengthening Childhood NCDs and Inclusive Early Childhood Development Program (India)

Deadline: 30-Dec-2025

UNICEF is inviting grant applications to strengthen health systems in India through early detection and integrated management of childhood non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and developmental delays. The initiative focuses on evidence generation, multisector coordination and national policy development to improve long-term, inclusive care for children, with priority relevance to Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The selected partner will support national roadmaps, policy briefs and system-level reforms for inclusive early childhood development.

Overview

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is seeking grant applications to support health systems strengthening in India, with a specific focus on early detection, integrated management and inclusive development for children affected by non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and developmental delays.

This initiative responds to growing evidence that childhood NCDs and delayed identification of developmental risks significantly affect children’s health, learning outcomes and long-term wellbeing. UNICEF aims to collaborate with a globally recognised institute to generate high-quality evidence, convene stakeholders and inform national policy and practice.

Key Focus Areas and Priorities

The grant supports work across interconnected health, development and policy domains.

Health and Health Systems Strengthening

• Strengthening child health platforms for early detection

• Improving continuity of care and long-term management

• Enhancing provider capacity for early identification and referral

Childhood Non-Communicable Diseases

Priority conditions include:

• Type 1 Diabetes

• Asthma

• Congenital and structural heart diseases

• Sickle Cell disease

Developmental Delays and Inclusive Early Childhood Development

• Early identification of developmental risks

• Inclusive early childhood development (ECD) approaches

• Parent- and family-focused interventions

Integrated and Multisectoral Approaches

• Integration of NCD screening and developmental monitoring into routine child health services

• Coordination across health, education, social protection and disability sectors

• Strengthening links between policy, evidence and service delivery

Geographic and Contextual Focus

The opportunity is particularly relevant to Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, where:

• Childhood NCD prevalence is increasing

• Developmental risks are often identified late

• Health and social systems face capacity and coordination challenges

However, the expected outputs are intended to inform national-level strategies and roadmaps applicable across India.

Key System-Level Challenges Addressed

The initiative responds to several critical gaps in current systems.

• Fragmented care pathways for children requiring long-term follow-up

• Limited provider capacity to detect early NCD markers and developmental risks

• Low community awareness of early signs, inclusion and care-seeking

• Weak convergence between health, education, social welfare and disability services

• Insufficient evidence to guide national policy and operational frameworks

Role of the Selected Partner

UNICEF seeks to work with a globally recognised institute capable of operating at the intersection of research, policy and systems strengthening.

The selected partner will:

• Generate high-quality evidence on early detection and integrated management

• Develop policy briefs and technical guidance

• Convene multisectoral consultations at national and sub-national levels

• Support formulation of national roadmaps and strategies

• Contribute to strengthening inclusive, child-centred and family-focused care systems

Expected Results and Outcomes

The grant aims to achieve measurable system-level and policy outcomes.

• Stronger national policy environment for childhood NCDs and developmental delays

• Improved multisector coordination among:

  • Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW)

  • Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD)

  • Education sector

  • Disability programmes

  • Civil society organisations

• Enhanced evidence base and operational guidance for early detection and integrated care

• Progress toward inclusive early childhood development within a child development continuum

Why This Grant Matters

Childhood NCDs and developmental delays contribute to long-term morbidity, learning challenges and social exclusion if not identified and managed early.

By strengthening early detection systems, integrating care pathways and aligning policies across sectors, this initiative supports lifelong health, learning and inclusion outcomes for children. It also contributes to national priorities around equity, disability inclusion and sustainable health systems.

How the Grant Works

1. Partnership Selection
   UNICEF will identify a globally recognised institute with strong technical and policy expertise.

2. Evidence Generation
   Research and analysis will inform practical and policy-relevant insights.

3. Stakeholder Engagement
   Multisector consultations will align health, education and social systems.

4. Policy and Roadmap Development
   Outputs will support national strategies for early detection and integrated management.

Common Application Tips

• Demonstrate experience in health systems strengthening and policy engagement

• Show capacity to work across multiple sectors and ministries

• Emphasise evidence-to-policy translation, not only research

• Highlight expertise in child health, NCDs or inclusive early childhood development

• Clearly articulate how proposed work will influence national-level outcomes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the main objective of this UNICEF grant?

To strengthen health systems in India by improving early detection and integrated management of childhood NCDs and developmental delays through evidence, policy and multisector coordination.

2. Which childhood conditions are prioritised?

Type 1 Diabetes, Asthma, Congenital/Structural Heart Diseases and Sickle Cell disease, alongside developmental delays.

3. Who can apply for this opportunity?

UNICEF is seeking collaboration with a globally recognised institute with expertise in research, policy development and systems strengthening.

4. Is the grant limited to specific states in India?

The work is particularly relevant to Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, but outputs are intended to inform national-level strategies.

5. What types of activities are expected to be funded?

Evidence generation, policy briefs, stakeholder consultations, multisector coordination and national roadmap formulation.

6. Does the grant support direct service delivery?

The primary focus is on systems strengthening, policy and evidence, rather than direct clinical service provision.

7. What makes a strong proposal?

Clear alignment with UNICEF priorities, strong multisector experience, policy relevance and a focus on inclusive, child-centred outcomes.

Conclusion

This UNICEF grant opportunity represents a strategic investment in early childhood health and development systems in India. By addressing childhood NCDs and developmental delays through integrated, evidence-driven and multisector approaches, the initiative aims to shape national policies and strengthen long-term care pathways. For institutions with the capacity to influence systems and policy at scale, this grant offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to inclusive and sustainable child development outcomes.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.