Request for EOIs: Promoting Child Development and Survival – Sanaag Region (Somalia)

The UNICEF Promoting Child Development and Survival Programme in Sanaag, Somalia seeks grant proposals to improve health, nutrition, and WASH outcomes for children and families. The programme integrates services across sectors to address vulnerabilities, aiming to ensure equitable access to primary health care, nutrition, and climate-resilient water and sanitation services, with measurable results by 2027.

Overview

UNICEF is requesting grant proposals to support the health, nutrition, and well-being of children and families in Sanaag, Somalia. This initiative applies an integrated, multi-sectoral approach across Health, Nutrition, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sectors to address root causes of child morbidity and mortality, particularly in communities with limited access to essential services.

Who is Eligible?

• Civil society organisations, NGOs, and community-based organisations working in health, nutrition, and WASH sectors

• Organisations with experience operating in humanitarian or fragile contexts

• Entities capable of implementing projects in multiple locations within Sanaag

Programme Focus Areas

Health

• Adolescent health, including sexual and reproductive health

• Maternal and newborn care, including emergency obstetric services

• Child health and immunization programs

• Strengthening access to reproductive health services

Nutrition

• Infant and young child feeding

• Malnutrition prevention and treatment

• Nutrition support in emergency settings

• Programs to enhance nutrition security for pregnant and breastfeeding women, adolescents, and caregivers

WASH and Climate-Resilient Services

• Access to safe and affordable drinking water

• Provision of basic sanitation facilities and promotion of hygiene practices

• Development of climate-resilient WASH infrastructure in schools, health centers, and communities

• Ensuring hygiene promotion even in humanitarian emergencies

Key Objectives

• Reduce inequalities in child survival and development

• Strengthen health, nutrition, and WASH systems

• Promote inclusive innovations to reach the most vulnerable

• Contribute to the 2030 Country Programme vision for child well-being in Somalia

Expected Results for 2026–2027

• 20,000 pregnant women supported with skilled birth attendance

• 1 million people accessing outpatient consultations

• 907,485 children vaccinated against polio; 80% immunization coverage among children and adolescents

• 607,485 children reached with DTP-containing vaccines

• First-line anti-malaria treatment for 90% of positive cases

• 20,000 children under five benefiting from early stimulation, nurturing care, and childcare services

• 500,000 children reached through the First Food initiative

• 800,000 children under five screened and treated for wasting

• 200,000 adolescent girls and women receiving iron supplementation

Long-Term Impact

• 1 million children benefiting from sustainable WASH, health, and education infrastructure

• 500,000 people accessing basic sanitation and hygiene services

• Holistic improvements in child survival, nutrition, and resilience

• Strengthened local systems and capacity for service delivery

• Climate-resilient solutions integrated into WASH and health programs

How to Apply / How It Works

1. Review UNICEF’s call for proposals and ensure alignment with Health, Nutrition, and WASH objectives

2. Submit a detailed project proposal including:

   • Target populations and geographic locations in Sanaag

   • Project objectives, activities, and expected outcomes

   • Implementation plan with timelines and milestones

   • Budget and resource allocation

   • Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting framework

3. Ensure proposals emphasize equity, inclusion, and climate resilience

4. Submit applications through the UNICEF grants portal by the specified deadline

Why It Matters

• Integrated programming addresses multiple determinants of child health and well-being

• Focus on vulnerable and underserved populations ensures equity

• Strengthens local systems while promoting sustainable, climate-resilient solutions

• Enhances long-term child development and survival outcomes

Tips for Applicants

• Highlight experience in multi-sectoral programming and humanitarian contexts

• Demonstrate clear impact metrics for health, nutrition, and WASH

• Include partnerships with local authorities or community-based organizations

• Emphasize sustainability and climate resilience in project design

• Ensure proposals reflect innovative approaches to reach marginalized populations

FAQ

1. Which locations are targeted?

Multiple locations within Sanaag region, Somalia.

2. What sectors does the programme cover?

Health, Nutrition, and WASH, including maternal, child, and adolescent health.

3. What populations are prioritised?

Children under five, adolescents, pregnant and breastfeeding women, caregivers, and vulnerable communities.

4. What outcomes are expected?

Immunization coverage, malnutrition treatment, skilled birth attendance, WASH access, and early childhood development.

5. Are climate-resilient solutions required?

Yes, projects should incorporate sustainable and climate-resilient WASH and health infrastructure.

6. Can proposals include multiple activities?

Yes, multi-sectoral approaches across health, nutrition, and WASH are strongly encouraged.

7. How is success measured?

Through quantitative indicators such as immunization coverage, malnutrition treatment, and access to WASH, as well as qualitative improvements in child development and caregiver support.

Conclusion

The UNICEF Promoting Child Development and Survival Programme provides a critical opportunity to strengthen health, nutrition, and WASH services in Sanaag, Somalia. By supporting vulnerable children and families through integrated, equity-focused interventions, the programme aims to ensure lasting improvements in child survival, development, and resilience, enabling children to thrive in safe, healthy, and supportive environments.