Deadline: 30-Jul-2026
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is inviting applications from organisations to implement lifesaving nutrition interventions in South Darfur and East Darfur states, Sudan. The programme focuses on preventing and treating malnutrition among children under five, adolescents, and women affected by humanitarian crises.
The initiative supports Community-based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM), infant and young child feeding, micronutrient supplementation, nutrition counselling, early identification of malnutrition cases, and community outreach activities. The programme aims to strengthen nutrition systems and improve access to essential nutrition services in crisis-affected communities.
Overview of the UNICEF Nutrition Programme in South Darfur and East Darfur
The UNICEF Nutrition Programme supports humanitarian nutrition services for vulnerable populations in South Darfur and East Darfur, Sudan.
The programme focuses on delivering preventive and treatment nutrition interventions to reduce the impact of malnutrition among:
- Children under five years of age
- Adolescents
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women
- Vulnerable communities affected by humanitarian emergencies
The initiative works through implementing partners to expand access to lifesaving nutrition services and strengthen local nutrition systems.
Objectives of the Programme
The main objectives of the UNICEF nutrition initiative are to:
- Prevent all forms of malnutrition
- Improve treatment of acute malnutrition
- Strengthen community-based nutrition services
- Increase early identification of malnutrition cases
- Improve access to nutrition counselling and support
- Strengthen coordination and partnerships for better nutrition outcomes
The programme aims to ensure that vulnerable children and women receive timely and effective nutrition assistance.
Key Focus Areas of the Programme
The initiative covers several important nutrition intervention areas.
Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF)
The programme promotes healthy feeding practices for infants and young children.
Activities may include:
- Breastfeeding support
- Infant feeding counselling
- Education on appropriate complementary feeding
- Community awareness activities
These interventions help improve child growth and prevent nutrition-related health problems.
Malnutrition Prevention and Treatment
The programme addresses both prevention and treatment of malnutrition.
Activities include:
- Screening children for malnutrition risks
- Identifying cases of acute malnutrition
- Providing treatment support
- Referring severe cases for specialised care
The approach aims to reduce illness and mortality linked to malnutrition.
Community-based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM)
The programme supports CMAM services to identify and treat children suffering from acute malnutrition.
CMAM activities include:
- Community screening
- Early detection of malnutrition
- Referral of affected children
- Treatment services
- Follow-up and monitoring
Community-based approaches help reach children who may not have access to health facilities.
Micronutrient Supplementation
The programme supports access to essential micronutrients needed for healthy development.
Activities may include:
- Distribution of micronutrient supplements
- Nutrition education
- Monitoring nutrition needs
Micronutrient support helps prevent deficiencies that affect child growth and development.
Nutrition in Emergencies
The programme responds to nutrition challenges caused by humanitarian crises.
Emergency nutrition activities include:
- Rapid identification of vulnerable groups
- Delivery of nutrition services
- Community outreach
- Support for affected households
These interventions help maintain access to essential nutrition services during emergencies.
Nutrition Counselling and Community Outreach
Community engagement is a key component of the programme.
Activities include:
- Nutrition counselling sessions
- Awareness campaigns
- Community mobilisation
- Promotion of healthy feeding practices
Community outreach helps families recognise nutrition risks and seek timely support.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The opportunity is intended for organisations capable of implementing nutrition programmes in humanitarian settings.
Eligible applicants may include:
- Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
- Humanitarian organisations
- Community-based organisations
- Health and nutrition service providers
- Organisations with experience in emergency nutrition
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Experience delivering nutrition interventions
- Capacity to operate in humanitarian contexts
- Ability to monitor and report programme results
- Knowledge of local communities
Programme Locations
The programme will be implemented in:
- South Darfur State, Sudan
- East Darfur State, Sudan
Partners may apply to support nutrition activities in selected localities within these states.
Target Beneficiaries
The programme aims to support:
- Children under five years of age
- Adolescents
- Women affected by humanitarian challenges
- Families experiencing food and nutrition insecurity
Priority will be given to communities facing high levels of vulnerability.
Expected Programme Results
The UNICEF initiative aims to achieve several important outcomes.
Expected results include:
- Improved prevention of all forms of malnutrition
- Increased access to acute malnutrition treatment services
- Stronger early detection systems
- Improved nutrition counselling services
- Better coordination among nutrition partners
- Improved nutrition data and monitoring systems
- Increased advocacy and financing for nutrition programmes
Why This Programme Matters
Humanitarian crises can increase the risk of malnutrition due to:
- Limited food access
- Displacement
- Reduced healthcare availability
- Poor feeding conditions
- Disease outbreaks
Children under five are especially vulnerable to the effects of malnutrition, including:
- Poor growth
- Weakened immunity
- Developmental challenges
- Increased risk of illness
This UNICEF programme helps protect vulnerable populations by providing timely nutrition services and strengthening community-based support systems.
How the Programme Will Be Implemented
Implementing partners will support UNICEF nutrition objectives through several stages.
Step 1: Assess Community Nutrition Needs
Partners will identify:
- Areas with high nutrition risks
- Vulnerable children and families
- Existing service gaps
Step 2: Deliver Nutrition Services
Activities will include:
- CMAM implementation
- Nutrition screening
- Micronutrient distribution
- Infant feeding support
- Nutrition counselling
Step 3: Conduct Community Outreach
Partners will engage communities through:
- Awareness activities
- Nutrition education
- Family counselling
- Early identification campaigns
Step 4: Strengthen Referral Systems
Partners will ensure:
- Early identification of malnutrition cases
- Referral to appropriate treatment services
- Follow-up support
Step 5: Monitor and Report Results
Monitoring activities will include:
- Tracking beneficiaries reached
- Recording nutrition services delivered
- Collecting programme data
- Reporting outcomes
Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid
Limited Humanitarian Nutrition Experience
Applicants should clearly demonstrate previous experience in nutrition programming.
Weak Community Engagement Plans
Strong applications should explain how communities will be involved in nutrition activities.
Ignoring Monitoring Systems
Applicants should include clear approaches for collecting data and measuring results.
Lack of Local Implementation Capacity
Organisations should demonstrate knowledge of South Darfur and East Darfur communities.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants can strengthen proposals by:
- Highlighting experience with CMAM programmes
- Demonstrating emergency nutrition expertise
- Including community-based approaches
- Explaining referral mechanisms
- Providing realistic implementation plans
- Showing experience working with children and women
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the UNICEF nutrition programme in South Darfur and East Darfur?
It is a humanitarian nutrition initiative that supports prevention and treatment services for children, adolescents, and women affected by crises.
Who are the main beneficiaries of this programme?
The programme supports children under five years, adolescents, and women facing humanitarian challenges.
What nutrition services will be provided?
Services include CMAM, infant and young child feeding support, micronutrient supplementation, nutrition screening, counselling, and referrals.
What is Community-based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM)?
CMAM is an approach that identifies and treats children with acute malnutrition through community and health service networks.
Where will the programme be implemented?
The programme will operate in selected localities in South Darfur and East Darfur states, Sudan.
Who can apply as an implementing partner?
Organisations with experience in emergency nutrition, health services, and humanitarian programmes can apply.
What are the expected outcomes of the programme?
The programme aims to reduce malnutrition, improve early detection and treatment, strengthen nutrition systems, and improve coordination among partners.
Conclusion
The UNICEF Nutrition Programme in South Darfur and East Darfur, Sudan provides critical support to prevent and treat malnutrition among vulnerable children, adolescents, and women. Through CMAM services, infant feeding support, micronutrient interventions, and community outreach, the programme aims to strengthen nutrition systems and improve health outcomes in humanitarian-affected communities.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.