UNICEF Global Grant: Strengthening Health Information Systems for Maternal and Child Health in Sub-Saharan Africa

The UNICEF Global Grant for Strengthening Health Information Systems for Maternal and Child Health in Sub-Saharan Africa represents a critical opportunity to address persistent data gaps that hinder effective health interventions. With a deadline of August 15, 2026, the grant invites NGOs, government agencies, and research institutions to propose innovative solutions that enhance the collection, analysis, and use of health data. The initiative targets the high maternal and child mortality rates in the region, where over 250,000 maternal deaths occur annually—more than two-thirds of the global total. By improving data timeliness and quality, the grant enables evidence-based policy-making, efficient resource allocation, and timely outbreak response. The program aligns with UNICEF's core mandate and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), promoting interoperability and community-level data use. Typical award sizes range from $500,000 to $2 million over 2-3 years, with emphasis on sustainability and local ownership. Organizations must demonstrate technical expertise in health informatics, strong local partnerships, and a clear plan for capacity building. The grant is highly competitive; only proposals with a solid theory of change and measurable outcomes succeed. GSLI recommends cross-selling Monitoring & Evaluation and Public Health & Epidemiology courses to bolster proposal quality and implementation readiness. This overview provides a foundational understanding for applicants to tailor their strategies effectively.

The grant targets organizations operating in Sub-Saharan Africa with demonstrated experience in health systems strengthening, particularly in maternal and child health. Eligible entities include international and local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), research and academic institutions, government health ministries and departments, and private sector firms specializing in health informatics. Applicants must have a minimum of five years of operational presence in the region, with office infrastructure and community networks. Priority is given to organizations that can show past collaborations with UNICEF or other UN agencies. Additionally, consortia involving two or more partners are encouraged, where one lead organization assumes fiduciary responsibility. Applicants must demonstrate ability to manage grants of $500,000 to $2 million over two to three years. The donor emphasizes inclusion of local staff and community representatives in project design and governance. Organizations with weak financial management or past compliance issues are discouraged. A narrative of technical capacity, including HIS development, data analytics, and training, is essential. The target audience is broad—general development practitioners—but the selection committee prioritizes those with a clear equity focus and proven ability to reach underserved populations.

UNICEF's global priorities under this grant include strengthening national health information systems to produce timely, high-quality data for decision-making. Key investment KPIs include: 10% reduction in maternal mortality, 15% increase in facility deliveries, 80% of health facilities reporting complete electronic data, and improved interoperability between HIS and civil registration systems. The donor emphasizes digital transformation, mobile health (mHealth), and use of artificial intelligence for data analysis. Additionally, priorities include capacity building for health workers, data use for outbreak response, and strengthening community health information systems. The grant supports the Every Newborn Action Plan (ENAP) and the Global Strategy for Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health. Funded projects must demonstrate alignment with national health sector plans and engagement with stakeholders such as Ministries of Health and regional health authorities. Data privacy and security are mandatory. UNICEF seeks innovations that address data fragmentation, particularly in remote areas. Integration with Global Fund, Gavi, and World Bank health data initiatives is also a priority. KPIs will be measured through baseline and endline surveys, facility assessments, and regular data quality checks. Gender-disaggregated data and use of data to reduce inequities are cross-cutting requirements.

Eligibility requirements are comprehensive and include financial and legal audits. Applicants must be legally registered entities in the country of operation, with audited financial statements for the past three years showing no outstanding liabilities. Annual revenue should exceed $200,000 or equivalent, with at least 30% coming from official development assistance (ODA) or similar sources. A valid registration certificate, tax clearance certificate, and proof of non-profit status (if applicable) are required. For financial audits, applicants must provide a recent external audit report (within 18 months) confirming adequate internal controls. Spatial audits involve demonstrating capacity to operate in multiple regions or countries, with field offices in target areas. Applicants must have a local presence with at least two years of community engagement. Legal audits include verifying compliance with anti-terrorism, anti-money laundering, and conflict-of-interest policies. Entities with past fraud or mismanagement cases are disqualified. Additionally, the applicant must not be on the UN ineligibility list. For consortia, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a lead partner agreement are required. The donor may require a pre-award capacity assessment. Technology partners must comply with cybersecurity and data protection standards. Special considerations for fragile states: the applicant must have a risk management plan and security clearance. Women-led organizations and youth-focused entities receive preference.

Strategic roadmap for a successful proposal with GSLI integration: Step 1: Conduct a Needs Assessment and Build Partnerships (Months 1-3). Engage ministries of health and local health facilities to identify gaps in HIS. Form a consortium with an organization strong in data systems and another in M&E. GSLI courses in 'Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)' and 'Project Management for Development' will equip your team with essential planning and evaluation tools. GSLI's M&E course, for instance, covers logical frameworks and indicator selection critical for donor requirements. Step 2: Design a Technically Sound Intervention (Months 4-6). Develop a proposal with a clear theory of change, focusing on interoperable digital platforms and capacity building. Ensure your budget includes hardware, software, training, and maintenance. GSLI's 'Public Health & Epidemiology' course will strengthen your understanding of maternal and child mortality drivers, helping you design evidence-based interventions. Also, use GSLI's 'Financial Management for NGOs' to structure a transparent, donor-compliant budget. Step 3: Write a Compelling Proposal (Months 7-9). Craft a narrative that highlights your organization's experience, local partnerships, and sustainability plan. Include data on past successes and clear KPIs. GSLI's 'Writing Winning Proposals' and 'Fundraising & Resource Mobilization' courses are invaluable. They teach proposal structuring, storytelling, and budget justification techniques that meet donor expectations. Step 4: Strengthen Institutional Readiness (Ongoing). Prior to submission, complete GSLI's 'Grants Management' course to understand compliance and reporting requirements. Also, take 'Procurement & Supply Chain' to ensure your procurement plan meets UNICEF's standards. These courses demonstrate your commitment to capacity building and give you an edge over competitors. After submission, use the waiting period to implement the training, attend webinars, and refine your implementation framework. GSLI alumni often report higher success rates due to improved proposal quality and organizational capacity.