Open Call for Promoting Child Development and Survival – Lower Shabelle Region (Somalia)

UNICEF is accepting applications for its Promoting Child Development and Survival (CPD) programme in the Shabeellaha Hoose region of Somalia. The initiative targets integrated Health, Nutrition, and WASH interventions to improve child survival, development, and well-being. Through a holistic, equity-driven, and climate-resilient approach, the programme strengthens systems, enhances access to essential services, and supports vulnerable communities.

Overview of the CPD Programme

The Promoting Child Development and Survival (CPD) programme acts as a strategic accelerator across the Health, Nutrition, and WASH sectors, supporting the 2026–2030 Country Programme vision for child well-being in Somalia. The initiative:

• Addresses the root causes of child morbidity and mortality

• Strengthens health, nutrition, and WASH systems

• Promotes inclusive and climate-resilient innovations

• Reaches the most vulnerable children, adolescents, and caregivers

Focus Areas

Health

• Adolescent health, including sexual and reproductive health

• Child health and routine immunization

• Maternal and newborn health, including emergency obstetric services

• Health in emergencies

Key 2026–2027 Health Targets:

• 20,000 pregnant women assisted by skilled birth attendants

• 1,000,000 outpatient consultations at primary health facilities

• ~1,000,000 children vaccinated against polio

• Expanded immunization coverage among children and adolescents

• Improved malaria diagnosis and treatment access

Nutrition

• Infant and young child feeding

• Malnutrition prevention and treatment

• Nutrition in emergencies

Key Nutrition Outcomes:

• Expanded early childhood stimulation and parenting support

• Large-scale implementation of the First Food initiative

• Prevention of stunting and improved nutrition services for children under five

• Empowerment of pregnant and breastfeeding women, caregivers, and adolescents to adopt safe and nutritious practices

WASH and Environment

• Basic sanitation and hygiene

• Emergency WASH services

• Safe and sustainable water supply

Expected WASH Outcomes by 2030:

• Children and families using affordable, climate-resilient, and sustainable water and sanitation services

• Adoption of safe hygiene behaviors, including in humanitarian contexts

• Improved access to safely managed drinking water and sanitation in homes, schools, health facilities, and nutrition centers

• Climate-resilient WASH infrastructure supporting community needs

Partnerships and Community Engagement

The programme works closely with:

• Local governments to coordinate basic services reflecting community priorities

• Somalia-owned food companies to produce high-quality, nutritious, and safe foods for children

These partnerships enhance local service delivery, food security, and community ownership, ensuring the programme’s interventions are sustainable and contextually relevant.

Expected Impact

The CPD programme in Shabeellaha Hoose aims to:

• Improve child survival and health outcomes

• Strengthen nutrition and reduce malnutrition and wasting

• Increase access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services

• Support integrated and sustainable community-based solutions for children and families

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include:

• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community-based organizations

• Health, nutrition, and WASH service providers with experience in multi-sectoral interventions

• Organizations capable of delivering integrated child-focused programmes in Shabeellaha Hoose

How to Apply

1. Check Eligibility: Ensure your organization has experience in multi-sectoral Health, Nutrition, and WASH programming.

2. Prepare Proposal: Include project objectives, target population, planned activities, and expected outcomes aligned with CPD programme goals.

3. Submit Application: Follow UNICEF submission guidelines for the Shabeellaha Hoose CPD programme.

4. Implement Activities: Deliver integrated interventions in target communities.

5. Monitor and Report: Track progress and contribute to CPD programme evaluation metrics.

Why It Matters

The CPD programme addresses urgent health, nutrition, and WASH challenges in Shabeellaha Hoose, a region with high vulnerability among children and families. By providing integrated services, strengthening systems, and promoting climate-resilient solutions, the programme:

• Ensures equitable access to essential services

• Improves long-term child survival, development, and well-being

• Enhances local capacity and sustainability

• Contributes to Somalia’s national and global child development goals

FAQ

Q1: Which sectors does the programme cover?
A: Health, Nutrition, and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene).

Q2: Who are the target beneficiaries?
A: Children, adolescents, mothers, caregivers, and vulnerable families in Shabeellaha Hoose.

Q3: What are the key results for 2026–2027?
A: Skilled birth attendance, outpatient consultations, vaccination coverage, malaria treatment, early childhood support, First Food initiative reach, nutrition outcomes, and WASH access.

Q4: Can organizations focus on only one sector?
A: No, integrated multi-sectoral approaches are required.

Q5: How is programme impact measured?
A: Through defined transformative results, including service coverage, nutrition outcomes, and improved child well-being indicators.

Q6: What approach does UNICEF follow?
A: A holistic, equity-driven, and climate-resilient approach addressing root causes and strengthening local systems.

Q7: How does the programme ensure sustainability?
A: By partnering with local governments, engaging Somalia-owned food companies, and building resilient systems for long-term community impact.

Conclusion

The UNICEF CPD programme in Shabeellaha Hoose provides a comprehensive, integrated approach to improving child survival, nutrition, and living conditions. Through strengthened systems, community partnerships, and climate-resilient interventions, the programme ensures vulnerable children and families access high-quality services while supporting sustainable, long-term improvements in health, nutrition, and WASH outcomes.