Deadline: 07-Apr-2026
UNICEF is inviting expressions of interest to strengthen health resilience and ensure continuity of essential healthcare services for women and children in high-risk districts of Sindh, Pakistan. The six-month initiative, with an indicative budget of USD 500,000, focuses on primary healthcare accessibility, emergency preparedness, community engagement, and gender-sensitive maternal and child health services.
Programme Overview
The initiative aims to reinforce fragile health systems in Sindh by improving the continuity and accessibility of primary health care services while building community and facility-level capacity. It addresses persistent challenges such as floods, socio-cultural barriers, inequities, and fragile infrastructure that limit access to essential health services.
Key programme objectives include:
- Ensuring continuity and accessibility of essential primary health care services for women and children, including mobile service delivery
- Strengthening resilient and responsive health systems for equitable, high-quality care
- Enhancing emergency preparedness and response capabilities
- Building capacity of facility- and community-based healthcare workers
- Promoting coordination and accountability among government and partner organizations
- Advancing integrated, gender-sensitive maternal, newborn, and child health services within a continuum of care framework
Target Areas and Population
The programme will be implemented in selected districts:
- Qambar Shahdadkot
- Sanghar
- Sujawal
- Tharparkar
- Karachi West
The intervention targets an estimated population of 500,000 individuals, prioritizing women, children, and other vulnerable groups.
Key Activities
- Capacity Building: Training and mentoring of healthcare workers at facility and community levels
- Service Delivery Strengthening: Expanding mobile primary healthcare services and improving access to facilities
- Infrastructure Support: Minor repairs, renovations, and ensuring functional, child-friendly facilities
- Community Engagement: Promoting inclusive, child-friendly community models to increase service utilization
- Coordination & Accountability: Strengthening partnerships between the Department of Health, civil society, and other stakeholders; enhancing reporting systems
- Integration with Other Sectors: Coordinating with nutrition, education, protection, and WASH initiatives while maintaining health outcome focus
Who is Eligible?
- Local and international civil society organizations
- Entities with experience in primary health care, maternal and child health, emergency response, or community health initiatives
- Organizations capable of formalizing partnerships through a Program Cooperation Agreement and developing detailed proposals aligned with UNICEF objectives
Funding Details
- Indicative budget: USD 500,000
- Duration: Six months (May – October 2026)
- Funding purpose: Strengthening primary healthcare delivery, facility improvements, mobile service expansion, and capacity-building initiatives
- Partnership model: Selected organizations will formalize collaboration through a Program Cooperation Agreement
How to Apply / How It Works
- Prepare Expression of Interest: Highlight organizational capacity, relevant experience, and alignment with programme objectives
- Identify Key Activities: Propose interventions in primary health care delivery, community engagement, and capacity building
- Collaborate with Stakeholders: Include coordination plans with Department of Health and civil society partners
- Submit Proposal: Develop a detailed plan outlining objectives, expected outcomes, target population, and budget
- Selection and Agreement: Successful applicants will formalize participation through a Program Cooperation Agreement and receive guidance for implementation
- Implement and Report: Conduct activities according to proposal and submit progress and financial reports
Why This Initiative Matters
- Addresses gaps in essential health services in high-risk and fragile settings
- Supports continuity of maternal, newborn, and child health care across a continuum of care
- Strengthens community and facility-level resilience to natural and socio-cultural challenges
- Promotes gender-sensitive, inclusive healthcare services for vulnerable populations
- Enhances coordination, accountability, and integration with broader development programmes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting proposals not aligned with UNICEF’s outlined objectives
- Ignoring community engagement and gender-sensitive approaches
- Proposing interventions without feasible capacity-building or operational plans
- Failing to coordinate with government or partner organizations
- Overlooking emergency preparedness and resilience components
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply?
Civil society organizations with experience in primary health care, maternal and child health, or community health interventions in Sindh, Pakistan.
2. What is the total budget and duration?
Indicative funding of USD 500,000 over six months (May – October 2026).
3. Which districts are included in this initiative?
Qambar Shahdadkot, Sanghar, Sujawal, Tharparkar, and Karachi West.
4. What types of activities are supported?
Mobile health services, facility strengthening, minor repairs, capacity building, community engagement, and emergency preparedness initiatives.
5. How will organizations formalize participation?
Selected applicants will enter a Program Cooperation Agreement with UNICEF.
6. Is coordination with other sectors required?
Yes, integration with nutrition, education, protection, and WASH initiatives is encouraged while maintaining a primary focus on health outcomes.
7. What is the target population?
An estimated 500,000 individuals, primarily women, children, and other vulnerable groups in the selected districts.
Conclusion
This UNICEF initiative in Sindh strengthens health resilience, ensures lifesaving services reach vulnerable populations, and promotes inclusive, gender-sensitive primary healthcare. By investing in capacity building, mobile service delivery, and community engagement, the programme aims to improve health outcomes and strengthen the local healthcare system in high-risk settings.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.