Child Survival and Development
Giving children a chance to survive and thrive
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Situation and Challenges
In Guinea-Bissau, the survival and healthy development of children remain threatened by deep and interconnected challenges. With an under-five mortality rate of 74 per 1,000 live births — about twice the global average — only 54% of births are attended by skilled health personnel, and more than 80% of children under 5 suffer from two or more simultaneous deprivations.
Malnutrition remains a critical threat: 30% of children under 5 suffer from stunting, and 53% live in severe child food poverty. Access to healthcare services is limited, especially in rural and island areas, where two-thirds of the population live far from the nearest health facility.
Access to clean water and sanitation is insufficient, with open defecation posing a significant risk to children's health. Guinea-Bissau ranks 4th globally on UNICEF's Children's Climate Risk Index, further compounding the vulnerability of the most exposed families.
UNICEF’s Response
UNICEF focuses its efforts on strengthening national health, nutrition, and WASH systems. By operating through Government-led structures and embedding services into community routines, we transform humanitarian support into lasting outcomes.
Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health
UNICEF supported the integrated delivery of maternal and child health services, including Integrated Community Case Management (iCCM). The network of Community Health Workers expanded from 500 to over 2,200, covering all 11 health regions. In 2025, 123,320 children were reached monthly with essential services, and 45,203 pregnant women received regular antenatal care.
Immunization and Vaccination
In 2025, 229,944 children were vaccinated against yellow fever (61% of those eligible), with the campaign reaching a total of 1.7 million people. UNICEF also supported seasonal malaria chemoprevention, with 98% of target children receiving preventive treatment.
Nutrition
UNICEF strengthened the early detection and treatment of acute malnutrition, with 115,972 children screened at the community level and a 78% cure rate within the Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition programme. Additionally, 344,529 children received vitamin A supplements, and 5,703 pregnant and breastfeeding mothers benefited from multiple micronutrients.
HIV/AIDS
UNICEF supported the integration of pediatric HIV services into primary healthcare. In 2025, 211 health professionals were supported in ensuring quality assurance for the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) and pediatric Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) across all 11 health regions.
Key Results
Improving access to water, sanitation and hygiene
In 2025, 31,175 people began living in open defecation-free communities, and 2,629 gained access to improved water services. A total of 260 climate-resilient latrines were constructed, and 58 schools and 19 health facilities benefited from upgrades to their WASH infrastructure. Additionally, 19,668 adolescent girls benefited from menstrual health and hygiene interventions.