Deadline: 06-Jan-2026
UNICEF’s Promoting Child Development and Survival programme in Somalia focuses on integrated health, nutrition, and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) interventions. Targeting the Woqooyi Galbeed region and other high-priority areas, the programme aims to improve child survival, early development, and family well-being by 2030 through equity-driven, climate-resilient, and multi-sectoral approaches.
Overview of the Programme
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is implementing the Promoting Child Development and Survival programme to strengthen the health, nutrition, and overall well-being of children and families in Somalia. The programme focuses on the Woqooyi Galbeed region and other priority areas to reach the most vulnerable populations. The initiative addresses pressing child survival and development challenges by combining interventions across health, nutrition, and WASH.
Core Sectors and Interventions
Health
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Adolescent health services, maternal and newborn care.
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Child health and immunization programs.
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Reproductive health services, including emergency obstetric care.
Nutrition
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Infant and young child feeding support.
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Prevention and treatment of malnutrition.
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Nutrition response in emergency contexts.
WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene)
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Access to safe water and basic sanitation.
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Hygiene promotion and climate-resilient services.
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Infrastructure improvements in humanitarian and vulnerable settings.
Programme Goals and Strategic Approach
Aligned with the 2026–2030 Country Programme vision for child well-being in Somalia, the programme:
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Uses a holistic, equity-driven, and climate-resilient framework.
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Tackles root causes of child morbidity and mortality.
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Strengthens national and local health, nutrition, and WASH systems.
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Promotes inclusive and innovative solutions to reach marginalized children and families.
Expected Impact by 2030
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Equitable access to high-quality primary health care and immunization services for Somali mothers and children.
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Multi-sectoral systems enabling safe and nutritious diets, malnutrition prevention, and early detection and treatment of wasting.
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Affordable, safe, and climate-resilient water and sanitation services with improved hygiene practices, even in emergencies.
Key Targets (2026–2027)
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20,000 pregnant women assisted by skilled birth attendants.
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One million people accessing outpatient consultations at primary health facilities.
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Over 900,000 children vaccinated against polio; 600,000 children receiving DTP-containing vaccines.
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90% of malaria-positive cases receiving first-line treatment.
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20,000 children under five receiving early stimulation, nurturing care, childcare services, and parenting support.
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500,000 children benefiting from the First Food initiative through partnerships with local governments and Somalia-owned food companies.
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800,000 children under five screened and treated for wasting.
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200,000 adolescent girls and women receiving iron-containing nutrient supplements.
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One million children accessing sustainable, climate-resilient WASH, health, and education infrastructure.
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500,000 people receiving basic sanitation and hygiene services in schools, health facilities, and nutrition centers.
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 and caregivers.
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Vulnerable and marginalized populations in Woqooyi Galbeed and other priority areas.
Why It Matters
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Reduces child morbidity and mortality by addressing health, nutrition, and WASH needs simultaneously.
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Strengthens resilience against climate-related risks through sustainable infrastructure.
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Promotes equity by reaching marginalized populations and high-risk communities.
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Supports national child survival and development goals aligned with Somalia’s 2026–2030 vision.
Common Tips and Considerations
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Engage local communities for better adoption and impact.
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Maintain continuous monitoring and evaluation to track programme outcomes.
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Ensure multi-sector coordination for integrated health, nutrition, and WASH services.
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Embed climate resilience and sustainability in all infrastructure projects.
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Focus on equity by prioritizing marginalized, displaced, or high-risk populations.
FAQ
1. What areas are prioritized by the programme? The Woqooyi Galbeed region and other high-priority vulnerable locations in Somalia.
2. Who benefits from the programme? Children under five, pregnant and breastfeeding women, adolescents, caregivers, and marginalized communities.
3. What health interventions are provided? Maternal and newborn care, child health services, immunizations, reproductive health services, emergency obstetric care, and malaria treatment.
4. How does the programme address nutrition? Through early childhood development support, malnutrition prevention and treatment, First Food initiative, and iron supplementation for adolescent girls and women.
5. What WASH services are included? Access to safe water, basic sanitation, hygiene promotion, climate-resilient services, and infrastructure improvements in schools, health centers, and nutrition facilities.
6. How does the programme integrate equity and innovation? By targeting marginalized communities, promoting inclusive solutions, and strengthening local systems and partnerships.
7. What are the programme’s long-term objectives? Ensure equitable access to health, nutrition, and WASH services, reduce child morbidity and mortality, prevent malnutrition, and build resilient systems by 2030.
Conclusion
UNICEF’s Promoting Child Development and Survival programme provides a holistic, integrated, and climate-resilient framework to improve child survival, nutrition, and overall well-being in Somalia. By focusing on Woqooyi Galbeed and other priority areas, the initiative ensures that children and families not only survive but thrive in safe, healthy, and supportive environments by 2030.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.