Social Protection for Mothers and Children (1,000 Days Programme), Phase IV

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The project offers pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and their babies a safety net during pregnancy and the first years of their children's lives. The situation of vulnerable population groups in Sudan, especially women and young children, is extremely tense. Access to essential health and nutrition services has worsened in the wake of multiple political upheavals in recent years. Almost half of the population is affected by acute food insecurity and poverty. As part of the project, pregnant women and mothers of young children under two years of age receive regular, unconditional cash transfers. The payments are issued in local health centers where they can attend mothers' groups, appointments with midwives and awareness-raising events for them and their families. In this way, relevant knowledge about nutrition during pregnancy and for young children, breastfeeding and family planning is imparted, the women can exchange ideas with one another and are introduced to the health services relevant to them for pre- and post-natal care. The combination of cash and knowledge is intended to support families in this critical phase for the child's development. In addition, small investments will be made in the equipment and facilities of the health centers in order to improve the range of services offered. The aim of the project is to enable pregnant women and children in the first 1,000 days to cushion the effects of various crises through improved social protection. The project is being implemented by UNICEF. The fourth phase will be financed with 30 million euros. This will reach an estimated 17,000 women and their young children. The exact project location will be selected based on defined criteria during the launch phase.