A Sample Grant Proposal on “Mobile Healthcare Units for Maternal and Child Health”

Executive Summary

Despite significant progress in recent years, maternal and child health outcomes remain a major challenge in many low-income, rural, peri-urban, and hard-to-reach areas. Geographic isolation, poverty, weak health infrastructure, shortages of skilled health workers, and socio-cultural barriers continue to prevent women and children from accessing timely and quality healthcare services.

This project proposes the establishment and operation of Mobile Healthcare Units (MHUs) for Maternal and Child Health (MCH) to bridge critical service delivery gaps. The initiative will deploy well-equipped mobile clinics staffed with trained health professionals to deliver essential maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health services directly to underserved communities.

By bringing healthcare closer to those who need it most, the project aims to reduce preventable maternal and child morbidity and mortality, strengthen preventive care, and support national health systems in achieving universal health coverage and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets.

Background and Rationale

Maternal and child mortality remains unacceptably high in many regions due to limited access to antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, postnatal follow-up, immunization, nutrition services, and early childhood healthcare. Women in remote and marginalized communities often face long travel distances, high out-of-pocket costs, lack of information, and social constraints that prevent them from seeking care.

Children under five are particularly vulnerable to preventable conditions such as malnutrition, pneumonia, diarrhea, and vaccine-preventable diseases. Adolescents, especially girls, face additional risks related to early pregnancy, anemia, and limited access to reproductive health information.

Mobile healthcare units provide a proven, cost-effective approach to extending primary healthcare services beyond fixed facilities. When integrated into national and local health systems, MHUs can improve service coverage, continuity of care, and health equity—particularly for women and children.

Project Goal and Objectives

Overall Goal

To improve access to quality maternal, newborn, and child health services for underserved populations through mobile healthcare delivery systems.

Specific Objectives

Increase access to antenatal, postnatal, and child health services in hard-to-reach areas.
Reduce preventable maternal, neonatal, and under-five morbidity and mortality.
Strengthen preventive care, including immunization, nutrition, and health education.
Improve early detection and referral of high-risk pregnancies and childhood illnesses.
Support community awareness and demand for maternal and child healthcare services.

Target Areas and Beneficiaries

Geographic Focus
- Remote rural communities
- Urban slums and informal settlements
- Disaster– and climate-affected areas
- Migrant and nomadic populations
Direct Beneficiaries
- Pregnant and lactating women
- Newborns and children under five
- Adolescent girls
- Caregivers and families
Indirect Beneficiaries
- Community health volunteers
- Local health facilities and systems
- Local governments and health authorities

Project Components and Activities

Component 1: Deployment of Mobile Healthcare Units
- Procure and equip mobile clinic vehicles with essential medical equipment
- Ensure availability of maternal and child health supplies and medicines
- Develop outreach schedules covering underserved communities
Component 2: Delivery of Maternal Health Services
- Antenatal care (ANC) check-ups and screening
- Identification and referral of high-risk pregnancies
- Postnatal care for mothers and newborns
- Family planning counseling and services
Component 3: Child Health and Nutrition Services
- Routine immunization and growth monitoring
- Screening and management of childhood illnesses
- Nutrition assessment, counseling, and supplementation
- Early childhood development and caregiver education
Component 4: Adolescent and Community Health Education
- Adolescent health education sessions
- Awareness on maternal nutrition, hygiene, and newborn care
- Community mobilization to promote healthcare-seeking behavior
Component 5: Referral, Linkages, and Continuity of Care
- Establish referral pathways to nearby health facilities
- Coordinate with government health programs
- Follow-up visits for continuity of care

Implementation Strategy

The project will be implemented in close collaboration with local health authorities, community leaders, and civil society organizations. Mobile healthcare teams will typically include a medical officer or nurse, midwife, nutritionist, pharmacist, and community health worker.

Service delivery will align with national maternal and child health guidelines and ensure cultural sensitivity and respect for local norms.

Expected Results and Outcomes

Short-Term Outcomes
- Increased coverage of ANC, PNC, and immunization services
- Improved early detection of maternal and child health risks
- Enhanced community awareness and health-seeking behavior
Long-Term Impact
- Reduced maternal, neonatal, and under-five mortality
- Improved nutrition and developmental outcomes for children
- Strengthened primary healthcare outreach systems

Cross-Cutting Themes

Gender Equality: Promoting women’s access to healthcare and informed decision-making
Equity and Inclusion: Reaching marginalized and underserved populations
Health Systems Strengthening: Integration with public health systems
Data and Digital Health: Use of digital records for tracking and follow-up

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning

A robust M&E framework will be established, including:

Baseline assessments and routine service data
Key performance indicators aligned with MCH standards
Community feedback and satisfaction surveys
Periodic evaluations and learning reviews

Sustainability and Exit Strategy

Sustainability will be ensured by aligning MHUs with government health programs, building capacity of local health workers, and gradually integrating services into fixed health facilities where possible. Community engagement and local ownership will be prioritized throughout the project lifecycle.

Risk Analysis and Mitigation

Operational challenges: Mitigated through careful planning and contingency routes
Staff shortages: Addressed via training and partnerships
Community resistance: Managed through engagement and awareness activities