Call for Nutrition Education and Training for Frontline Health Workers (Philippines)

UNICEF is inviting expressions of interest to strengthen nutrition education for frontline health workers in the Philippines. The initiative focuses on improving preservice training for nurses, midwives, and community workers to address malnutrition challenges. It aims to build standardized nutrition competencies, enhance curricula, and improve public health outcomes.

Overview

UNICEF is seeking partners to enhance the integration of nutrition into preservice education and training systems for frontline health workers in Philippines.

This initiative aims to strengthen the capacity of healthcare professionals to address malnutrition through improved education, standardized competencies, and better training systems.

Key Objectives

The initiative focuses on the following priorities:

• Strengthening nutrition competencies in preservice education
• Addressing the triple burden of malnutrition (undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, overweight/obesity)
• Improving training for nurses and midwives
• Aligning with ASEAN guidelines and minimum standards
• Developing a national nutrition competency framework
• Enhancing curricula and teaching resources
• Supporting certification and education of community health workers

Understanding the Nutrition Challenge

Triple Burden of Malnutrition

The Philippines faces three overlapping nutrition issues:

• Undernutrition (stunting, wasting, underweight)
• Micronutrient deficiencies (vitamin and mineral shortages)
• Overweight and obesity due to changing diets and lifestyles

Despite progress in reducing undernutrition, evolving food systems and dietary patterns continue to impact health outcomes.

Why This Initiative Matters

Frontline health workers—especially nurses, midwives, and community workers—play a critical role in delivering nutrition services.

However, gaps in training and standardized competencies limit their effectiveness.

This initiative addresses these gaps by:

• Improving the quality of preservice education
• Standardizing nutrition knowledge and skills
• Strengthening healthcare delivery systems
• Supporting long-term public health improvements

What the Initiative Supports

1. Situation Analysis and Research

The selected partner will:

• Review national policies, guidelines, and frameworks
• Conduct stakeholder consultations
• Identify gaps in nutrition education systems

2. Development of Frameworks

• Create a nutrition competency framework
• Align with ASEAN regional standards
• Establish unified guidelines for training institutions

3. Curriculum Enhancement

• Develop updated curricula for:
  • Nurses
  • Midwives
• Improve teaching materials and resources
• Integrate practical and evidence-based learning

4. Capacity Building for Community Workers

Focus on:

• Barangay Nutrition Scholars
• Barangay Health Workers

Support includes:

• Improved training programs
• Certification pathways
• Enhanced nutrition knowledge and skills

Key Stakeholders and Partners

The initiative involves collaboration with:

• Department of Health Philippines
• National Nutrition Council
• Commission on Higher Education
• Professional Regulation Commission

These partnerships ensure alignment with national policies and implementation systems.

Who is Eligible?

Target Applicants

• Academic institutions
• Research organizations
• Public health institutions
• NGOs and development organizations

Required Capabilities

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Expertise in nutrition and public health
• Experience in curriculum development or education systems
• Ability to conduct research and stakeholder consultations
• Familiarity with health systems in the Philippines or ASEAN region

How the Initiative Works

Implementation Process

1. Conduct situation analysis and stakeholder mapping
2. Review existing policies and training systems
3. Develop competency frameworks and guidelines
4. Design and update curricula and teaching tools
5. Support implementation and capacity building
6. Contribute to policy alignment and adoption

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Process

1. Review eligibility and required expertise
2. Prepare an Expression of Interest (EOI), including:
   • Organizational profile
   • Relevant experience
   • Proposed approach and methodology
3. Highlight experience in nutrition, education, or health systems
4. Demonstrate ability to collaborate with government stakeholders
5. Submit the EOI through the official UNICEF channel

What to Emphasize

• Technical expertise in nutrition and training systems
• Experience in multi-stakeholder coordination
• Strong research and analytical capabilities
• Alignment with national and regional frameworks

Tips for a Strong Proposal

• Clearly define your methodology for situation analysis
• Show understanding of the Philippines’ nutrition challenges
• Demonstrate experience in curriculum design
• Highlight partnerships or local presence
• Focus on measurable outcomes and sustainability

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting generic or unclear proposals
• Lack of alignment with ASEAN or national standards
• Weak stakeholder engagement strategy
• Insufficient evidence of technical expertise
• Ignoring community-level workforce needs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is this UNICEF initiative about?

It aims to improve nutrition education for frontline health workers in the Philippines.

2. Who is leading this initiative?

UNICEF is leading the effort in collaboration with national partners.

3. What is the triple burden of malnutrition?

It refers to undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and overweight/obesity occurring simultaneously.

4. Who can apply?

Organizations with expertise in nutrition, public health, and education systems.

5. Which workers are targeted?

Nurses, midwives, and community health workers such as Barangay Nutrition Scholars.

6. What is the main output of the initiative?

A strengthened nutrition education system, including competency frameworks and updated curricula.

7. Why is preservice education important?

It ensures health workers are properly trained before entering the workforce, improving service quality.

Conclusion

This initiative by UNICEF represents a strategic effort to address malnutrition in Philippines by strengthening the foundation of health worker education.

By improving competencies, curricula, and collaboration across institutions, it aims to build a more effective, resilient, and nutrition-responsive healthcare system.