Deadline: 03-Aug-2026
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is seeking implementing partners to support migrant and vulnerable populations in mobility, detention, and deportation contexts in the Dominican Republic. The programme focuses on emergency health services, child protection, maternal and newborn health, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) support.
The initiative aims to improve access to essential healthcare, psychosocial support, hygiene supplies, and protection services for children, adolescents, caregivers, and women. The programme targets 1,200 primary healthcare consultations and hygiene assistance for 1,000 people through community-based services and humanitarian support.
Overview of the UNICEF Programme in the Dominican Republic
The UNICEF programme supports migrant and vulnerable communities affected by mobility, detention, and deportation situations in the Dominican Republic.
The initiative focuses on ensuring that vulnerable populations, especially children and women, receive access to essential services, including:
- Emergency healthcare
- Child protection services
- Maternal and newborn health support
- Psychosocial assistance
- Hygiene and dignity supplies
- Community-based health services
The programme works through implementing partners to deliver humanitarian assistance and strengthen access to basic services.
Objectives of the Programme
The main objectives of the programme are to:
- Improve access to essential health services for vulnerable migrants
- Protect children and adolescents from risks and harm
- Strengthen maternal and newborn healthcare
- Provide hygiene supplies and WASH support
- Improve early identification of health and protection needs
The programme uses community-based approaches to reach populations facing barriers to healthcare and protection services.
Key Focus Areas of the UNICEF Initiative
The programme supports four major areas of intervention.
Health in Emergencies
The programme strengthens access to healthcare services for vulnerable populations during emergency situations.
Activities include:
- Community health services
- Primary healthcare support
- Health risk identification
- Referral to safe medical services
The approach focuses on reaching children and families who may have limited access to formal healthcare systems.
Maternal and Newborn Health
The programme supports pregnant women, mothers, and newborns through essential healthcare services.
Activities include:
- Identification of pregnant women
- Identification of postpartum women
- Basic maternal health assessments
- Prenatal counselling
- Breastfeeding counselling
- Referral of high-risk pregnancy cases
The programme aims to reduce maternal and newborn health risks through early detection and timely referral.
Child Protection Services
The initiative supports children and adolescents by providing:
- Child protection assistance
- Psychosocial support
- Community-based protection services
- Referrals to specialised services
The programme prioritises children affected by migration, displacement, detention, or deportation situations.
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Emergencies
The programme provides essential hygiene support to vulnerable populations.
Activities include:
- Purchase of hygiene supplies
- Distribution of dignity kits
- Delivery of hygiene materials
- Awareness materials on hygiene practices
Supplies are adapted for:
- Women
- Babies
- Children
- Vulnerable households
Who Is Eligible to Participate?
The opportunity is intended for organisations capable of implementing humanitarian and community-based programmes.
Eligible partners should have experience in areas such as:
- Emergency health services
- Child protection
- Maternal and child health
- WASH interventions
- Migrant and vulnerable population support
Potential implementing partners may include:
- Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
- Community-based organisations
- Humanitarian organisations
- Health service providers
- Organisations with relevant technical expertise
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Operational capacity
- Experience working with vulnerable communities
- Ability to deliver and monitor humanitarian activities
Target Beneficiaries
The programme focuses on supporting:
- Migrant populations
- Children
- Adolescents
- Caregivers
- Pregnant women
- Postpartum women
- Vulnerable families
Priority is given to individuals affected by:
- Migration challenges
- Detention situations
- Deportation processes
- Limited access to essential services
Main Programme Activities
The implementing partner will carry out several activities to deliver healthcare, protection, and hygiene support.
Community Health Brigades
Community health teams will provide:
- Basic health consultations
- Health screening
- Identification of medical risks
- Referral support
These brigades help reach communities that face barriers to healthcare access.
Child Health Services
Healthcare activities for children under five years may include:
- Basic vaccination services
- Deworming
- Nutritional screening
- Identification of preventable diseases
- Referral to safe healthcare services
These services support early detection and prevention of health problems.
Maternal Healthcare Support
Services for pregnant and postpartum women include:
- Pregnancy identification
- Basic health checks
- Prenatal guidance
- Breastfeeding support
- Referral for emergency obstetric care
Distribution of Hygiene and Dignity Kits
The implementing partner will manage:
- Procurement of hygiene supplies
- Storage and distribution
- Delivery to beneficiaries
Kits will support:
- Women
- Babies
- Children
The programme will also distribute educational materials related to:
- Pregnancy care
- Postpartum health
- Hygiene practices
- Protection services
Programme Targets and Expected Results
The programme aims to achieve the following results:
- 1,200 primary healthcare consultations
- 1,000 people receiving essential hygiene supplies
The expected impact includes:
- Improved access to healthcare
- Better maternal and child health outcomes
- Increased protection support
- Improved hygiene conditions among vulnerable populations
Why This Programme Matters
Migrants and vulnerable populations often face challenges accessing healthcare, protection services, and basic hygiene resources.
Children and women may face increased risks, including:
- Untreated health conditions
- Maternal health complications
- Protection concerns
- Poor hygiene conditions
- Limited access to essential services
This UNICEF initiative helps address these challenges by providing community-based humanitarian support and improving access to life-saving services.
How the Programme Will Be Implemented
The implementing partner will follow a structured approach.
Step 1: Identify Vulnerable Communities
Partners will identify:
- Migrant populations
- Children and families needing support
- Pregnant and postpartum women
- Individuals requiring protection services
Step 2: Deliver Community-Based Services
Activities will include:
- Health consultations
- Protection assistance
- Psychosocial support
- Hygiene supply distribution
Step 3: Conduct Health Screening and Referrals
Partners will:
- Identify health risks
- Provide basic services
- Refer complex cases to appropriate healthcare providers
Step 4: Monitor Programme Activities
Monitoring will include:
- Tracking beneficiaries reached
- Recording healthcare services provided
- Monitoring hygiene kit distribution
- Reporting programme outcomes
Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid
Limited Experience With Migrant Communities
Applicants should demonstrate previous work with migrants, refugees, or vulnerable populations.
Weak Healthcare Delivery Capacity
Organisations should clearly explain their ability to provide community health services.
Ignoring Protection Needs
Applications should address child protection, psychosocial support, and safeguarding.
Poor Monitoring Plans
Applicants should include clear methods for tracking beneficiaries and measuring results.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants can strengthen proposals by:
- Highlighting humanitarian experience
- Demonstrating healthcare and protection expertise
- Including community engagement approaches
- Explaining referral mechanisms
- Providing realistic implementation plans
- Showing experience managing emergency programmes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the UNICEF programme in the Dominican Republic about?
The programme supports migrant and vulnerable populations through emergency healthcare, child protection, maternal health services, and WASH assistance.
Who are the main beneficiaries of the programme?
The programme supports children, adolescents, caregivers, pregnant women, postpartum women, and vulnerable migrant populations.
What health services will be provided?
Services include primary healthcare consultations, vaccinations, deworming, nutritional screening, disease identification, and referrals.
How does the programme support maternal health?
It provides pregnancy identification, maternal health checks, prenatal counselling, breastfeeding support, and referrals for high-risk cases.
What are WASH activities in this programme?
WASH activities include hygiene supply distribution, dignity kits, and awareness materials on hygiene and protection practices.
How many people will the programme support?
The programme aims to provide 1,200 primary healthcare consultations and hygiene supplies to 1,000 people.
Who can apply as an implementing partner?
Organisations with experience in healthcare, child protection, WASH, and humanitarian support for vulnerable populations can apply.
Conclusion
The UNICEF Programme for Migrant and Vulnerable Populations in the Dominican Republic provides essential healthcare, protection, and hygiene support to communities affected by migration and displacement challenges. Through community-based health services, maternal care, child protection activities, and WASH assistance, the programme aims to improve safety, dignity, and access to essential services for vulnerable children and families.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
