CHF-DMA-0489-114 “Provision of maternal and child health services through delivery of essential medicines, medical supplies, equipment to health facilities; capacity building of health workers; and establishment of community based care by female CHWs” – 735,562$                                                                                                    

The current drought in conjunction with the continued conflict and displacements particularly in the south and central zones has had a debilitating effect on the social services and health outcomes of vulnerable communities. Poor sanitation, weakened immune systems and high levels of malnutrition have further increased the risk of communicable diseases cholera, diarrhea, acute respiratory tract infections and measles. Women and children, the displaced and people in drought affected areas are the most affected by the poor coverage and quality of essential health care (including maternal, neonatal and child care). It is thus crucial to ensure the maintenance of health facilities in these areas - drought and IDP - to secure essential medicines and medical supplies in these facilities for the provision of quality primary health care including community based management of common illnesses (CCM)       .

Outreach services such as medical camps, mobile clinics and support to community-based Primary Healthcare services will serve the needs of host and displaced populations which are gathering around urban centers to get access to basic human needs. As children and pregnant and lactating women are considered to be the most vulnerable, increased health needs continue to emphasize interventions for child survival, reproductive health, care of pregnant women and newborns.                    

UNICEF is currently supporting management of MCH in these locations through partners. UNICEF provides essential drugs, training and supervision to the facilities. UNICEF will provide and support health services at the district and community level through MCHs and health posts by providing essential supplies and services. UNICEF will also provide integrated outreach health services for women and children in remote areas, through integrated community case management (CCM). The CCM initiative will be complemented with outreach interventions where the target population is hard to reach (including conflict-affected and displaced) and where other gaps have been identified.