Deadline: 06-Jan-2026
UNICEF’s Promoting Child Development and Survival programme in Somalia enhances integrated Health, Nutrition, and WASH services for children, adolescents, women, and families in Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions. The initiative targets vulnerable communities, reduces child morbidity and mortality, and strengthens climate-resilient systems for sustainable well-being. By 2030, it aims to provide equitable access to quality healthcare, nutrition, and safe water and sanitation services.
Programme Overview
The Promoting Child Development and Survival programme by UNICEF focuses on improving child, adolescent, and maternal well-being in Somalia through integrated interventions. The programme operates in Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions, reaching communities with limited access to essential services. It contributes to Somalia’s 2026–2030 Country Programme vision, promoting a holistic, equity-driven, and climate-resilient approach to health, nutrition, and WASH outcomes.
Key Focus Areas
1. Health
The health component strengthens primary healthcare and covers:
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Adolescent health: Sexual and reproductive health education and services.
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Child health: Immunizations, routine check-ups, and disease prevention.
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Maternal and newborn health: Skilled birth attendance, emergency obstetric care, and reproductive health services.
2. Nutrition
Nutrition interventions prevent and treat malnutrition and support mothers, adolescents, and children:
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Infant and young child feeding promotion.
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Malnutrition prevention and treatment, including wasting detection and care.
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Nutrition in emergencies for rapid response to crises.
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Micronutrient supplementation for adolescent girls and women.
3. WASH and Environment
The WASH component ensures safe water, sanitation, and hygiene:
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Basic sanitation and hygiene promotion.
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Climate-resilient water supply and sanitation infrastructure.
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WASH in emergencies to maintain access during humanitarian crises.
Who Is Eligible?
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Children under five years old.
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Pregnant and breastfeeding women.
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Adolescents and caregivers in vulnerable communities.
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Residents of Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions with limited access to health, nutrition, and WASH services.
Why It Matters
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Reduces child morbidity and mortality by addressing root causes.
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Strengthens local health systems to ensure sustainability.
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Promotes equity, reaching the most vulnerable populations.
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Supports climate resilience to maintain services during emergencies.
How the Programme Works
Step 1: Service Delivery
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Primary health facilities provide outpatient consultations and immunizations.
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Skilled birth attendants assist 20,000 pregnant women during delivery.
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Nutrition first food initiatives and micronutrient supplementation are delivered at scale.
Step 2: Integrated Approach
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Health, nutrition, and WASH services are delivered together for maximum impact.
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Community-based interventions target adolescents, mothers, and caregivers.
Step 3: Monitoring and Evaluation
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Routine monitoring ensures timely detection and treatment of malnutrition.
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Coverage targets for immunization and health services are regularly tracked.
Step 4: Long-Term Goals
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Achieve 80% immunization coverage among children and adolescents.
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Eradicate wild polio by vaccinating over 900,000 children.
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Provide sustainable, climate-resilient WASH infrastructure for all households.
Key Programme Targets (2026–2027)
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20,000 pregnant women delivering with skilled birth attendants.
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1 million people accessing outpatient primary healthcare.
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907,485 children vaccinated against polio.
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607,485 children receiving DTP-containing vaccines.
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90% of malaria-positive individuals receiving first-line treatment.
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20,000 children under five receiving early stimulation and nurturing care.
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Large-scale nutrition interventions including wasting treatment.
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Expanded climate-resilient WASH, health, and education infrastructure.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Implementing health, nutrition, and WASH separately rather than in an integrated approach.
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Underestimating community engagement, which is critical to reach vulnerable populations.
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Neglecting monitoring and data tracking, leading to missed targets.
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Overlooking climate-resilient infrastructure, compromising sustainability.
FAQ
1. Which regions benefit from the programme?
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Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions in Somalia.
2. Who can access health and nutrition services?
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Children, adolescents, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and caregivers in targeted communities.
3. What types of immunizations are provided?
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Polio and DTP-containing vaccines for children and adolescents.
4. How does the programme address malnutrition?
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Through prevention, early detection, treatment of wasting, and nutrition education.
5. Are WASH services included?
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Yes, including safe water, sanitation, hygiene promotion, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
6. What are the programme’s long-term health goals?
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Achieve 80% immunization coverage, eradicate wild polio, and provide equitable primary healthcare.
7. How is climate resilience incorporated?
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WASH and education infrastructure is designed to function during emergencies and environmental challenges.
Conclusion
UNICEF’s Promoting Child Development and Survival programme provides a holistic, integrated approach to improving health, nutrition, and WASH outcomes for children, adolescents, and families in Somalia. By combining evidence-based interventions with climate-resilient systems, the programme strengthens health infrastructure, ensures equity, and supports sustainable well-being. By 2030, Somali children and families are expected to access high-quality, resilient, and sustainable services that save lives and enhance development outcomes.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.