CFAs: Strengthening NICU Services and Referral Capacity in Gaza (Palestine)

Deadline: 30-Apr-2026

The UNICEF is implementing a critical health intervention in Gaza Strip to strengthen neonatal intensive care services and maternal health systems. The programme focuses on improving survival outcomes for high-risk newborns through enhanced NICU capacity, better referral systems, and quality clinical care. It addresses urgent gaps caused by the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Overview of the Programme

The UNICEF Gaza Neonatal and Maternal Health Initiative 2026 aims to save newborn lives and improve maternal health outcomes in a highly fragile and resource-constrained environment.

Core Objective

To strengthen lifesaving neonatal intensive care (NICU) services and improve referral-level maternal and newborn healthcare systems.

Context: Humanitarian Health Crisis in Gaza

The health system in Gaza faces severe challenges due to:

• Damaged health infrastructure
• Shortage of medical supplies
• Limited availability of skilled health workers
• Increased demand from high-risk pregnancies

Impact on Newborns

• Higher rates of:
  • Prematurity
  • Low birth weight
  • Neonatal complications
• Overburdened referral hospitals and NICUs

Key Focus Areas

1. Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Strengthening

• Support key referral hospitals
• Ensure availability of:
  • Essential equipment
  • Medicines and supplies
• Maintain continuous NICU operations

2. Quality of Care Improvement

• Strengthen adherence to clinical protocols, including:
  • Infection prevention and control
  • Neonatal resuscitation
  • Respiratory support
  • Thermoregulation

3. Health Workforce Capacity Building

• Provide:
  • Training programmes
  • On-site mentoring
  • Clinical supervision

4. Referral System Strengthening

• Improve coordination between:
  • Primary healthcare centers
  • Maternity wards
  • Referral hospitals
• Reduce delays in emergency care

5. Nutrition and Infant Feeding Support

• Promote:
  • Early breastfeeding initiation
  • Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) practices
• Provide caregiver counselling

6. Continuity of Care

• Strengthen post-discharge follow-up
• Link newborns to:
  • Nutrition services
  • Maternal care support

Key Concept: Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU)

What is NICU?

A specialized hospital unit that provides critical care for premature, low birth weight, and severely ill newborns.

Why NICU Matters

• Saves lives of vulnerable infants
• Provides advanced medical support
• Reduces neonatal mortality

Key Concept: Referral Health System

Definition

A structured system that ensures patients are transferred efficiently from basic care facilities to specialized hospitals.

Importance

• Enables timely treatment
• Reduces complications and deaths
• Improves overall health system efficiency

Who is Eligible?

Target Partners

• Health-focused NGOs
• Medical institutions
• Organizations with:
  • Maternal and child health expertise
  • Emergency health response experience

Required Capabilities

• Clinical service delivery
• Health systems strengthening
• Training and capacity building

Why This Programme Matters

Saves Newborn Lives

• Improves survival of high-risk infants

Strengthens Health Systems

• Builds resilience in crisis conditions

Improves Quality of Care

• Standardizes treatment protocols

Enhances Equity

• Expands access to lifesaving services

How the Programme Works

Step 1: Partner Engagement

• UNICEF selects qualified implementing partners

Step 2: Facility Support

• Upgrade NICU infrastructure and supplies

Step 3: Workforce Training

• Train healthcare providers

Step 4: System Strengthening

• Improve referral pathways and coordination

Step 5: Monitoring & Follow-Up

• Track health outcomes and continuity of care

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Review Programme Requirements
   • Understand UNICEF priorities and scope
2. Prepare Proposal
   Include:
   • NICU strengthening plan
   • Training and capacity-building strategy
   • Referral system improvements
3. Align with Key Objectives
   • Focus on:
     • Neonatal survival
     • Quality care
     • System resilience
4. Submit Application
   • Follow UNICEF submission procedures
5. Prepare for Rapid Implementation
   • Ensure readiness for emergency operations

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Weak clinical protocols
• Inadequate referral system planning
• Lack of trained personnel
• Ignoring post-discharge care
• Poor coordination with health authorities

Pro Tips for Success

• Prioritize lifesaving interventions
• Strengthen coordination across facilities
• Use evidence-based clinical guidelines
• Focus on continuity of care

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the main goal of this programme?

To improve neonatal survival and maternal health services in Gaza.

2. What services are prioritized?

NICU care, emergency obstetric care, and referral systems.

3. Who benefits from this initiative?

High-risk newborns and mothers in crisis-affected areas.

4. What is NICU?

A specialized unit for critically ill newborns.

5. Why is referral system strengthening important?

It ensures timely access to specialized care.

6. What role does nutrition play?

It supports newborn survival and development through proper feeding practices.

7. Who can implement this programme?

Qualified health organizations with relevant expertise.

Conclusion

The UNICEF intervention in Gaza Strip is a lifesaving initiative focused on strengthening neonatal and maternal healthcare systems.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.