Child Survival Call 2026: Advancing Maternal and Child Health

The la Caixa Foundation Child Survival Call 2026 supports network-based health projects in sub-Saharan Africa to reduce maternal, newborn, and child mortality. Grants of up to €450,000 are available for collaborative initiatives that strengthen health systems, improve access to care, and align with Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 3. The programme requires partnerships, co-funding, and measurable health impact.

What is the Child Survival Call 2026?

The Child Survival Call 2026 is a funding initiative designed to improve maternal, newborn, and child health outcomes in high-mortality regions of sub-Saharan Africa.

It supports collaborative, evidence-based health interventions that strengthen healthcare systems and reduce preventable deaths.

Key Objectives of the Programme

The call prioritises projects that:

Improve maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) outcomes
Strengthen health systems and service delivery
Promote training and capacity building for healthcare workers
Support evidence-based and evaluation-driven interventions
Encourage innovation in healthcare products and services
Improve access to medicines, vaccines, and nutrition services
Enhance monitoring and real-time programme adaptation
Align with national health strategies

Why This Programme Matters

Sub-Saharan Africa continues to face the highest rates of maternal and child mortality globally due to:

Limited access to healthcare services
Shortages of trained health professionals
Gaps in vaccines, medicines, and nutrition
Weak health infrastructure and sanitation systems

This programme directly addresses these structural challenges by strengthening health systems and improving service delivery.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
Research institutions
Civil society organisations
Health-focused international partnerships

Requirements include:

Formation of a network-based consortium
Inclusion of at least one local partner in sub-Saharan Africa
Strong alignment with national health policies
Demonstrated capacity in health programming

Eligible Project Focus Areas

Projects should focus on:

Public health policy influence and systems strengthening
Training healthcare professionals
Strengthening institutional and scientific capacity
Health programme evaluation and research
Improving access to essential medicines and supplies
Enhancing healthcare service quality and coverage

Funding Details

Maximum Grant (4–5 partners): up to €450,000
Maximum Grant (3 partners): up to €150,000
Funding Coverage: up to 80% of total project cost
Co-financing Requirement: minimum 20% (cash or validated in-kind contributions)

Funding is designed for collaborative, multi-actor health interventions.

Partnership Requirements

The programme strongly emphasizes collaboration:

Projects must involve multiple organisations
At least one partner must be locally based
Partnerships should strengthen existing alliances or create new ones
Networks must demonstrate shared responsibility and coordination

Alignment with Global Goals

All projects must contribute to:

Sustainable Development Goals
Specifically SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being (Target 3.2)
Reduction of preventable deaths in children under five
Improved maternal health outcomes

What Costs Can Be Funded?

Eligible costs include:

Training and capacity-building programmes
Healthcare system strengthening activities
Medical supplies and equipment
Monitoring and evaluation systems
Research and data collection
Community health interventions

How the Programme Works

Step 1: Build a Consortium
Form a multi-organisation partnership with at least one local partner.

Step 2: Define Health Intervention
Focus on maternal, newborn, or child health challenges.

Step 3: Align with National Systems
Ensure coordination with country health strategies.

Step 4: Design Measurable Impact Plan
Include monitoring, evaluation, and real-time adaptation systems.

Step 5: Submit Application
Apply through the official la Caixa Foundation process.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting single-organization proposals (networks are required)
Weak or missing local partner involvement
Poor alignment with national health policies
Lack of measurable indicators
Ignoring co-financing requirements

Tips for a Strong Application

Build strong, balanced partnerships across regions
Focus on scalable and sustainable health solutions
Include clear monitoring and evaluation frameworks
Demonstrate direct impact on maternal and child health
Align with SDG 3 and national health priorities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for this grant?
Networks of NGOs, research institutions, and health organisations.
What is the maximum funding available?
Up to €450,000 depending on consortium size.
Is local partnership required?
Yes, at least one local partner must be included.
What is the co-financing requirement?
At least 20% of total project costs.
What regions are eligible?
Sub-Saharan African countries with high maternal and child mortality.
What types of projects are supported?
Health system strengthening, training, evaluation, and service delivery improvements.
What is the main goal of the programme?
To reduce maternal, newborn, and child mortality and strengthen health systems.

Conclusion

The Child Survival Call 2026 by the la Caixa Foundation offers a significant opportunity to improve maternal and child health outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa. Through strong partnerships, co-financing, and evidence-based interventions, the programme supports scalable solutions that strengthen health systems and save lives.

Consortia that demonstrate collaboration, measurable impact, and alignment with national and global health priorities will be best positioned for success.