Deadline: 06-Jan-2026
The UNICEF Promoting Child Development and Survival Programme in Shabeellaha Hoose, Somalia, aims to improve child survival, health, nutrition, and WASH outcomes using a holistic, equity-driven, and climate-resilient approach. The initiative strengthens local capacity, delivers essential services, and partners with communities to ensure long-term impact.
Overview
The Promoting Child Development and Survival Programme focuses on enhancing survival, development, and well-being of children and vulnerable populations in Shabeellaha Hoose. It integrates interventions across health, nutrition, and WASH sectors, supporting UNICEF’s 2026–2030 Country Programme vision for child well-being. The approach emphasizes equity, inclusivity, and climate resilience.
Key Programme Components
Health Sector Interventions
The programme strengthens maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health services, including emergency obstetric care, immunization, and healthcare in emergencies. Expected results for 2026–2027 include 20,000 skilled births, 1 million outpatient consultations, nearly 1 million children vaccinated against polio, increased immunization coverage among children and adolescents, and improved access to malaria diagnosis and treatment.
Nutrition Sector Interventions
Nutrition interventions target infant and young child feeding, prevention and treatment of malnutrition, and emergency nutrition services. Key outcomes include expanded early childhood stimulation and parenting support, large-scale implementation of the First Food initiative, stunting prevention, improved nutrition services for children under five, and supplementation for adolescent girls and women.
WASH and Environmental Interventions
WASH interventions focus on safe water, basic sanitation, hygiene promotion, and climate-resilient infrastructure. By 2030, children and families are expected to use affordable, sustainable, and climate-resilient water and sanitation services. The programme supports safe hygiene practices, emergency WASH services, and improved sanitation in homes, schools, health facilities, and nutrition centers.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include non-profit and development-oriented organizations serving children and vulnerable populations in Shabeellaha Hoose. Target beneficiaries include children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, caregivers, adolescents, and community members. Local governments and Somalia-owned food companies serve as key partners.
Why It Matters
The programme improves child survival and well-being, strengthens local capacity, ensures equity and inclusion, and promotes climate-resilient infrastructure. It addresses root causes of morbidity and mortality while supporting sustainable development.
How the Programme Works
Steps for Implementation
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Conduct community needs assessments to identify gaps in health, nutrition, and WASH.
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Build capacity of local health workers, nutritionists, and WASH personnel.
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Deliver services in health, nutrition, and WASH sectors, including maternal care, child immunization, malnutrition prevention, and safe water provision.
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Monitor outcomes using measurable indicators such as skilled births, consultations, vaccinations, malnutrition treatment, and WASH access.
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Coordinate with local governments and community partners to ensure sustainability.
Funding and Support Mechanisms
Technical assistance, training, community engagement, and integration with national health and nutrition strategies are provided.
Common Mistakes and Tips
Avoid neglecting community engagement, insufficient coordination with local authorities, ignoring climate risks, and inadequate monitoring of measurable outcomes. Ensure programs are culturally appropriate, inclusive, and evidence-based.
FAQs
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What is the primary goal? Improve child survival, nutrition, health, and WASH in Shabeellaha Hoose.
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Who can participate? Non-profit and development-oriented organizations serving vulnerable communities in Somalia.
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Which sectors are targeted? Health, nutrition, and WASH.
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What outcomes are expected? Increased skilled births, consultations, vaccinations, malnutrition prevention, and access to safe water and sanitation.
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How long is the programme? Aligned with UNICEF’s 2026–2030 Country Programme, with initial results expected in 2026–2027.
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Are local partnerships required? Yes, with governments, community leaders, and Somalia-owned food companies.
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How is sustainability ensured? Through capacity building, community empowerment, and climate-resilient practices.
Conclusion
The Promoting Child Development and Survival Programme provides a holistic, multi-sectoral approach to improving child well-being in Shabeellaha Hoose. By integrating health, nutrition, and WASH, fostering local partnerships, and promoting equity and climate resilience, the programme ensures sustainable and lasting benefits for children, families, and communities.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.