Deadline: 04-May-2026
UNICEF, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is inviting expressions of interest to strengthen community health systems in Côte d’Ivoire. The initiative focuses on training, deploying, and supporting community health workers while integrating digital health systems and livelihood opportunities. It aims to improve healthcare access, create jobs—especially for young women—and build resilient, equitable health systems.
Overview
UNICEF, in collaboration with partners including the Mastercard Foundation, is launching a multi-country initiative to strengthen community health systems and expand opportunities for community health workers (CHWs) in Côte d’Ivoire.
This program combines health system strengthening with economic empowerment, aiming to improve healthcare delivery while creating sustainable livelihoods.
Key Objectives
The initiative focuses on:
- Strengthening technical and professional capacity of community health workers
- Expanding access to primary healthcare services
- Digitalizing health systems for better efficiency and monitoring
- Promoting entrepreneurship and livelihood opportunities for CHWs
- Supporting universal health coverage efforts
Key Focus Areas
Health and Service Delivery
- Child health services
- HIV/AIDS prevention and care
- Immunization programs
- Nutrition services
- Emergency health response
System Strengthening
- Training and capacity building
- Health systems strengthening
- Community mobilization
- Digital health integration
Economic Empowerment
- Microfinance support
- Livelihood and entrepreneurship opportunities
- Financial independence for CHWs
Context: Why This Initiative Matters
Health systems across Africa face persistent challenges:
- Shortage of skilled health workers
- Limited access to primary healthcare
- Growing population and rising demand for services
In Côte d’Ivoire, these challenges are being addressed through national strategies such as the National Strategic Plan for Community Health (2022–2025).
This initiative supports these priorities by placing community health workers at the center of healthcare delivery.
Program Scope and Scale
- Part of a multi-country program across 13 African nations
- Target: Deployment of 30,000 community health workers
- Special focus: Young women aged 18–35
- Geographic coverage: Priority regions within Côte d’Ivoire
What the Initiative Offers
For Community Health Workers
- Professional training and certification
- Improved working conditions
- Access to digital tools and systems
- Opportunities for income generation and entrepreneurship
For Communities
- Increased access to essential healthcare services
- Improved health outcomes
- Stronger, more resilient local health systems
For Implementing Partners
- Opportunity to deliver high-impact community programs
- Collaboration with international and national stakeholders
- Role in shaping sustainable health and livelihood systems
Who is Eligible?
Target Applicants
- Civil society organizations (CSOs)
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Community-based organizations
Required Capabilities
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Experience in community health or public health programs
- Capacity to operate at community level
- Ability to manage partnerships and stakeholders
- Strong implementation and monitoring capabilities
Role of Selected Organizations
Selected partners will:
- Implement community-level health interventions
- Train and support community health workers
- Coordinate with government and partners
- Ensure quality delivery and monitoring of activities
- Promote inclusive and sustainable approaches
They will act as key intermediaries between communities, government, and program stakeholders.
How the Initiative Works
Implementation Model
- Selection of qualified civil society organizations
- Training and deployment of community health workers
- Delivery of integrated health services at community level
- Integration of digital tools for monitoring and reporting
- Support for income-generating activities
- Continuous evaluation and system strengthening
How to Apply
Step-by-Step Process
- Review eligibility and program requirements
- Prepare an Expression of Interest (EOI), including:
- Organizational profile
- Relevant experience
- Proposed implementation approach
- Highlight experience in:
- Community health systems
- Capacity building and training
- Livelihood or economic empowerment programs
- Demonstrate ability to work in target regions
- Submit the EOI through the official UNICEF channel
What to Emphasize
- Experience with community-based health programs
- Strong operational presence in Côte d’Ivoire
- Capacity for large-scale implementation
- Integration of health and livelihood approaches
- Commitment to gender inclusion (especially young women)
Tips for a Strong Application
- Align clearly with national health strategies
- Show measurable impact from past projects
- Include a clear implementation and monitoring plan
- Highlight partnerships and local networks
- Demonstrate sustainability of interventions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting generic or non-contextual proposals
- Weak understanding of local health systems
- Lack of integration between health and economic components
- Insufficient focus on gender and youth inclusion
- Poorly defined implementation strategies
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the purpose of this initiative?
To strengthen community health systems and create economic opportunities for community health workers.
2. Who is leading the program?
UNICEF in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.
3. Which country is the focus?
Côte d’Ivoire, as part of a multi-country African initiative.
4. Who can apply?
Civil society and community-based organizations with relevant experience.
5. What is the scale of the program?
It aims to deploy 30,000 community health workers.
6. Does the program include economic support?
Yes, it includes microfinance, entrepreneurship, and livelihood support for CHWs.
7. Why focus on young women?
To promote gender inclusion and create employment opportunities for a key demographic group.
Conclusion
This initiative by UNICEF and the Mastercard Foundation represents a transformative approach to community health in Côte d’Ivoire.
By combining healthcare delivery with economic empowerment, it creates a sustainable model that improves health outcomes, strengthens systems, and enhances livelihoods—ensuring long-term impact for individuals and communities alike.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
