Deadline: 06-Jan-2026
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is now accepting applications for the Promoting Child Development and Survival (CPD) programme in Somalia. The initiative integrates health, nutrition, and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) interventions to reduce child morbidity and mortality while promoting equitable, climate-resilient services. By 2030, Somali children and families are expected to access high-quality, inclusive, and sustainable health, nutrition, and WASH services.
Overview
The CPD programme takes a holistic, equity-driven, and climate-resilient approach to improve child well-being. It addresses root causes of child morbidity and mortality, strengthens health and nutrition systems, and promotes inclusive innovations to reach vulnerable populations. The initiative contributes directly to the 2026–2030 Country Programme vision for child development in Somalia.
Health Sector Objectives
The health component targets: adolescent health, child health, maternal and newborn care including emergency obstetric services, immunization, and reproductive health services.
Key targets for 2026–2027 include:
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20,000 births assisted by skilled birth attendants
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1,000,000 outpatient consultations at primary health facilities
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907,485 children vaccinated against polio
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80% of children and adolescents immunized
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607,485 children receiving DTP-containing vaccines
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90% of people testing positive for malaria receiving first-line treatment
By 2030, Somali mothers and children are expected to access equitable, high-quality primary health and immunization services through a resilient and responsive health system.
Nutrition Sector Goals
The nutrition component focuses on infant and young child feeding, malnutrition prevention and treatment, and nutrition support in emergencies.
2026–2027 targets include:
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20,000 children under five receiving early stimulation and parenting support
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500,000 children reached through the First Food initiative
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800,000 children under five receiving early detection and treatment of wasting
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200,000 adolescent girls and women benefiting from iron and micronutrient supplements
By 2030, pregnant and breastfeeding women, caregivers, adolescents, and children will be supported through multi-sectoral nutrition systems to ensure safe foods, prevent malnutrition, and treat wasting effectively.
WASH and Environmental Objectives
The programme emphasizes basic sanitation, hygiene promotion, emergency WASH services, and access to safe water.
2026–2027 targets include:
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1,000,000 children provided with safely managed drinking water
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500,000 children accessing basic sanitation and hygiene services, including in schools and health/nutrition centers
By 2030, all children and families are expected to use affordable, climate-resilient, and sustainable water and sanitation services while practicing safe hygiene behaviors, including during humanitarian situations.
Local Governance and Partnerships
The CPD programme works with 12 local governments to coordinate basic services based on community priorities. Partnerships with Somalia-owned food companies aim to scale up production of high-quality, nutritious, and safe first foods and supplements for children.
Who is Eligible?
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Children under five years of age
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Pregnant and breastfeeding women
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Adolescents requiring health or nutrition support
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Families in underserved communities in Hiiraan and neighboring regions
How It Works
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Assessment and Planning: Local governments and communities identify priorities.
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Service Delivery: Health, nutrition, and WASH services are provided through clinics, schools, and community centers.
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Capacity Building: Training for healthcare workers, nutritionists, and WASH personnel.
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Partnerships: Collaboration with local food companies to produce nutritious first foods and supplements.
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Monitoring and Evaluation: Progress is tracked against health, nutrition, and WASH targets.
Why It Matters
The CPD programme addresses critical challenges: high child mortality, malnutrition, lack of access to safe water, inadequate sanitation, and climate-related vulnerabilities. By integrating health, nutrition, and WASH, the initiative improves survival rates and promotes sustainable child development.
FAQ
Q1: What is the CPD programme? A: A UNICEF initiative integrating health, nutrition, and WASH services to improve child survival and development in Somalia.
Q2: Which regions are targeted? A: Hiiraan region and surrounding areas.
Q3: Who benefits from the programme? A: Children under five, pregnant and breastfeeding women, adolescents, and vulnerable families.
Q4: What are the health sector priorities? A: Maternal and newborn care, adolescent and child health, immunization, and reproductive health services.
Q5: How does the nutrition component work? A: Through early child feeding, malnutrition treatment, micronutrient supplementation, and the First Food initiative.
Q6: What WASH services are provided? A: Access to safe drinking water, basic sanitation, hygiene promotion, and emergency WASH support.
Q7: How is the programme sustainable? A: Through local governance coordination, community involvement, climate-resilient solutions, and partnerships with local food companies.
Conclusion
The UNICEF CPD programme represents a comprehensive, integrated effort to improve child survival, development, and well-being in Somalia. By combining health, nutrition, and WASH services with local governance and climate-resilient strategies, the initiative ensures equitable access to essential services and transforms child outcomes by 2030.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
