CFAs: Community Health Workers Program (Côte d’Ivoire)

Deadline: 20-Mar-2026

UNICEF, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is seeking expressions of interest from national NGOs to support the deployment of 30,000 community health workers (CHWs) in Côte d’Ivoire. The program focuses on community health, nutrition, adolescent and youth health, and women’s empowerment, aiming to improve access to primary healthcare, strengthen equity, and contribute to Universal Health Coverage. Priority is given to young women, with 70% of CHW positions targeted for ages 18–35.

Overview of the Initiative

The UNICEF-Mastercard Foundation program strengthens community health systems in Côte d’Ivoire by deploying trained Community Health Workers (CHWs). The initiative:

• Enhances primary healthcare access

• Builds resilient communities

• Creates sustainable employment pathways, particularly for youth and women

• Aligns with the National Strategic Plan for Community Health (PSNSC) 2022–2025 and the 2024 Annual Report on Community Health (RASC)

The program is part of a larger 13-country African initiative promoting Universal Health Coverage (UHC) while supporting socio-economic empowerment.

Programmatic Focus Areas

The initiative addresses several thematic areas critical for strengthening health systems:

• Gender equality and women empowerment

• Youth leadership and participation

• Child and adolescent health

• HIV/AIDS prevention and care

• Health in emergencies

• Health systems strengthening

• Immunization programs

• Malnutrition prevention and treatment

• Training, capacity building, and professional development

• Research, data analysis, and monitoring

Key Objectives

• Develop a professional and sustainable community health workforce

• Enhance working conditions for CHWs through system strengthening and professionalization

• Integrate digital tools to improve primary healthcare delivery

• Increase women’s participation, recognizing their vital role in community health service delivery

• Improve national health indicators and contribute to a more resilient healthcare system

Community Health Worker Deployment

• Total CHWs: 30,000 across Côte d’Ivoire

• Target group: 70% young women aged 18–35

• Service areas: Community health, nutrition, adolescent and youth health

• Impact: Improve access to services, strengthen equity, and support UHC efforts

Who Can Apply

This call for expressions of interest targets national non-governmental organizations (NGOs) capable of:

• Delivering community-level project activities in priority health regions

• Supporting coordination and implementation at scale through a network of partner NGOs

• Ensuring quality, inclusivity, equity, and sustainability across program interventions

How to Apply / How It Works

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Confirm Eligibility: Ensure your NGO has experience in community health and program implementation in Côte d’Ivoire.

2. Prepare Expression of Interest: Include organizational capacity, past experience, and ability to deliver CHW activities at scale.

3. Submit Documentation: Provide supporting materials demonstrating capability, staff qualifications, and operational capacity.

4. Selection: Selected NGOs will join a network of operational partners to deliver program activities and coordinate implementation.

5. Program Implementation: NGOs support training, deployment, supervision, and monitoring of CHWs in priority regions.

Why This Program Matters

• Addresses structural health workforce shortages

• Expands access to essential primary healthcare services

• Provides employment opportunities for youth and women

• Supports Universal Health Coverage goals

• Strengthens equity in maternal, newborn, and child health

• Builds resilient, community-based healthcare systems

Common Mistakes and Tips

• Ignoring priority regions: Ensure project activities target high-need health regions

• Neglecting inclusion and equity: Programs must integrate gender equality and youth empowerment

• Incomplete organizational documentation: Provide clear evidence of capacity, experience, and sustainability

• Overlooking digital integration: Incorporate professionalization and digital tools for CHWs where possible

FAQs

1. Who can respond to this call for expressions of interest?
National NGOs capable of delivering community-level project activities in priority health regions.

2. How many community health workers will be deployed?
30,000 across Côte d’Ivoire, with 70% targeted for young women aged 18–35.

3. What thematic areas does the program cover?
Community health, nutrition, adolescent and youth health, HIV/AIDS, immunization, malnutrition prevention, capacity building, gender equality, youth leadership, health in emergencies, and research.

4. How will NGOs be involved in the program?
NGOs will deliver project activities, support coordination, and ensure quality, equity, and sustainability across interventions.

5. How does this program support Universal Health Coverage?
By strengthening community health systems, deploying trained CHWs, and increasing equitable access to primary healthcare services.

6. Are women prioritized in CHW recruitment?
Yes, 70% of CHW positions are targeted for young women aged 18–35.

7. What role do digital tools play?
Digital tools support professionalization, supervision, and improved service delivery within primary healthcare systems.

Conclusion

The UNICEF and Mastercard Foundation initiative in Côte d’Ivoire represents a strategic effort to strengthen community health systems, empower young women, and expand equitable access to primary healthcare. By deploying 30,000 CHWs and collaborating with national NGOs, the program contributes to resilient, inclusive, and sustainable healthcare systems while supporting Universal Health Coverage goals and socio-economic empowerment for youth and women.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.