Deadline: 07-May-2026
UNICEF is inviting applications to implement maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) programmes in Bangladesh, focusing on district-level service delivery and national health system strengthening. The initiative targets four districts and addresses gaps in healthcare access, workforce capacity, and system resilience. A qualified institutional partner will support implementation to improve outcomes and scalability.
Overview
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund is seeking partners to implement maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) interventions in Bangladesh.
The programme combines district-level healthcare delivery with national health system strengthening, aiming to improve access, quality, and equity in health services.
Geographic Focus
The initiative will be implemented in four priority districts:
- Noakhali
- Bagerhat
- Sirajganj
- Kishoreganj
These districts were selected based on vulnerability, health system gaps, and MNCH performance indicators.
Programme Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Improve maternal, newborn, and child health outcomes
- Strengthen primary healthcare (PHC) systems
- Enhance equitable access to quality healthcare
- Build resilient and climate-adaptive health systems
- Support national health reforms and coordination
Key Focus Areas
1. Maternal & Newborn Health
- Emergency obstetric care
- Reducing maternal anemia and neonatal mortality
- Addressing stillbirth rates
2. Child Health
- Preventive and curative services
- Community-based healthcare delivery
3. Health Systems Strengthening
- Workforce capacity building
- Supply chain and logistics improvement
- Health financing and governance
4. Health in Emergencies
- Disaster preparedness and response
- Climate-resilient healthcare systems
Key Challenges Addressed
- Service readiness gaps in facilities
- Shortage of skilled healthcare workers
- Weak referral systems
- Supply chain inefficiencies
- Geographic disparities in healthcare access
- Adolescent pregnancy and maternal health risks
Key Concepts Explained
MNCH (Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health)
A comprehensive approach to healthcare covering women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal periods, as well as child health services.
Primary Healthcare (PHC)
Essential healthcare services that are accessible, affordable, and community-based.
Health Systems Strengthening
Improving the building blocks of healthcare systems, including workforce, infrastructure, financing, and governance.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Qualified institutional organisations
- Non-profits and development organisations
- Entities with experience in public health implementation
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Demonstrate expertise in MNCH or health systems
- Have capacity to operate at district and national levels
- Work effectively with government stakeholders
- Meet compliance requirements (no direct funding to government bodies)
What Will the Selected Partner Do?
- Implement MNCH interventions in selected districts
- Support national-level health system improvements
- Strengthen coordination with government agencies
- Build capacity of healthcare workers
- Improve monitoring, reporting, and accountability
How the Programme Works
Step-by-Step Process
- Submit Application
- Include technical proposal and implementation plan
- Partner Selection
- Based on expertise and capacity
- Programme Design
- Align with UNICEF and national health priorities
- Implementation
- Deliver interventions at district and national levels
- Monitoring & Evaluation
- Track progress, outcomes, and impact
- Knowledge Sharing
- Document best practices and lessons learned
Expected Outcomes
- Improved maternal and child health indicators
- Strengthened primary healthcare systems
- Better service delivery at facility and community levels
- Enhanced health workforce capacity
- Scalable models for national replication
Why This Programme Matters
- Addresses critical healthcare gaps in Bangladesh
- Supports vulnerable populations in high-risk districts
- Strengthens long-term health system resilience
- Promotes equitable and inclusive healthcare access
- Contributes to global health and development goals
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak alignment with MNCH priorities
- Lack of district-level implementation strategy
- Insufficient coordination with government stakeholders
- Poor monitoring and evaluation frameworks
- Overlooking sustainability and scalability
Tips for a Strong Application
- Demonstrate strong MNCH expertise
- Provide clear implementation and impact plans
- Highlight experience in similar large-scale programmes
- Include measurable indicators and outcomes
- Show strong coordination and partnership approach
FAQs
1. Who is leading this programme?
UNICEF in collaboration with national health authorities in Bangladesh.
2. Where will the programme be implemented?
In four districts: Noakhali, Bagerhat, Sirajganj, and Kishoreganj.
3. What is the main objective?
To improve maternal, newborn, and child health outcomes and strengthen health systems.
4. Who can apply?
Qualified institutional organisations with relevant experience.
5. What are the key focus areas?
MNCH, child health, health systems strengthening, and emergency health.
6. Is government funding involved?
The programme works with government systems, but funds are managed through a third-party partner.
7. What outcomes are expected?
Improved healthcare access, quality, and system resilience.
Conclusion
This UNICEF MNCH initiative presents a strategic opportunity to strengthen healthcare systems and improve maternal and child health outcomes in Bangladesh. By combining district-level interventions with national reforms, the programme aims to deliver sustainable, scalable, and impactful health solutions for vulnerable populations.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.