Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus (MNT) Elimination Grant - UNICEF Partnership

Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus Elimination Grant

A one-time grant of US$275,000 from the Kiwanis Children's Fund awarded to UNICEF to support efforts to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT) in countries where the disease has not yet been eradicated.

Partner Organization: UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund)

Geographic Scope: 12 priority countries where MNT has not yet been eliminated, including:

• Pakistan
• Yemen
• Central African Republic
• Other countries experiencing disease outbreaks, conflict, and crises affecting healthcare delivery

Focus Areas:

• Mass tetanus vaccination campaigns for women of reproductive age
• Health system strengthening for sustainability of elimination efforts
• Assessments and surveys monitoring and validating MNT elimination
• Education and training on clean childbirth and umbilical cord care practices
• Immunization delivery in areas affected by disease outbreaks, conflict, and crises

Background & Impact:

• Kiwanis joined UNICEF's global campaign to eliminate MNT in 2010
• In 2011: WHO reported 159 babies died daily from tetanus
• By 2020: Number had dropped to 66 babies per day
• Of 59 priority countries assessed in 1999 with >1 case per 1,000 live births, 47 have achieved MNT elimination
• Previous grant: US$500,000 awarded to UNICEF for MNT eradication in Pakistan (extended due to polio outbreak and floods)

Award Date: Announced October 11, 2023

What They Fund:

• Tetanus vaccination campaigns
• Health assessments and validation surveys
• Health system infrastructure and training
• Education on safe childbirth practices

What They Don't Fund:

• Direct application grants (this is a strategic partnership grant awarded to UNICEF, not individual or club applicants)

Contact Information:

• Kiwanis International office: 3636 Woodview Trace, Indianapolis, IN 46268-3196
• Phone: +1-800-549-2647 (U.S. and Canada) or +1-317-875-8755