Deadline: 30-Jan-2026
UNICEF is seeking grant applications to support adolescents and young adults aged 10–29 in Zambia by addressing critical health challenges through innovative communication strategies. The initiative targets Central and North-Western Provinces, focusing on non-communicable disease prevention, mental health awareness, and youth empowerment to make informed health decisions.
What is the UNICEF Zambia Youth Health Initiative?
This grant opportunity supports programs that deliver innovative, culturally appropriate health communication to adolescents and young adults in Zambia. The initiative aims to improve awareness of non-communicable disease prevention, mental health literacy, and access to health services while empowering young people to make informed choices that promote lifelong health and well-being.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include organizations capable of implementing youth-focused health communication initiatives in Central and North-Western Provinces of Zambia. Programs should target adolescents and young adults aged 10–29 and demonstrate the capacity for broad community engagement, culturally sensitive messaging, and measurable health outcomes.
Focus Areas and Priorities
The initiative prioritizes programs that:
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Increase awareness and prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and lifestyle-related health risks.
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Strengthen understanding of mental health conditions, reduce stigma, and encourage open discussions around well-being.
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Empower young people to seek timely help and use available health services.
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Deliver locally adapted, culturally relevant health messages to maximize reach and impact.
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Document program reach, effectiveness, and lessons learned to inform future interventions.
How the Program Works
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Community Engagement: Programs engage adolescents and young adults in Central and North-Western Provinces with tailored health messaging.
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Health Communication Strategies: Implement innovative methods such as digital campaigns, interactive workshops, peer-led outreach, and multimedia tools.
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Capacity Building: Provide young people with knowledge and skills to promote healthy behaviors and advocate for mental well-being.
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Monitoring and Learning: Capture program data, measure outcomes, and document lessons learned for accountability and future improvement.
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Sustainable Impact: Ensure interventions promote long-term behavior change and strengthen youth-focused health services.
Why It Matters
Adolescents and young adults are at a critical stage for shaping lifelong health behaviors. This initiative addresses gaps in knowledge, reduces stigma around mental health, and empowers youth to take proactive steps in managing their health. By focusing on localized, culturally appropriate interventions, the program strengthens public health outcomes and fosters healthier futures in Zambia.
Tips for a Strong Application
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Clearly define the target population and geographic focus.
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Demonstrate innovative, engaging, and culturally appropriate health communication methods.
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Include strategies for mental health awareness and NCD prevention.
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Provide measurable indicators for program impact and effectiveness.
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Plan for monitoring, documentation, and dissemination of lessons learned.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Failing to focus on the specified age group of 10–29 years.
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Submitting programs without localized, culturally sensitive approaches.
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Neglecting measurement of reach and effectiveness.
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Overlooking integration of mental health or NCD prevention messaging.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Who can apply? Organizations capable of implementing youth-focused health communication initiatives in Central and North-Western Provinces.
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What age group is targeted? Adolescents and young adults aged 10–29 years.
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Which health areas are prioritized? Non-communicable disease prevention, lifestyle-related health risks, and mental health awareness.
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Where will the programs be implemented? Selected locations within Central Province and North-Western Province.
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Are culturally adapted messages required? Yes, health communication must be locally relevant and culturally appropriate.
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How is program success measured? Through monitoring reach, documenting effectiveness, and capturing lessons learned.
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What is the goal of the initiative? To empower young people with knowledge, improve health behaviors, and contribute to long-term public health improvements in Zambia.
Conclusion
The UNICEF Zambia youth health grant provides an opportunity to empower adolescents and young adults through innovative, culturally adapted health communication. By addressing NCD prevention, mental health, and informed health decision-making, the initiative strengthens youth resilience and contributes to sustainable improvements in Zambia’s public health outcomes.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
