TCI’s newly expanded toolkit supports MNCH across all life stages, from preconception to early childhood.

Just one month after launching its Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) Toolkit, The Challenge Initiative (TCI) has added new modules for nutrition and immunization, further enhancing this essential resource for local governments working to strengthen primary health systems and improve outcomes for mothers and children. These two new modules are designed to equip local leaders with practical, high-impact interventions across the MNCH continuum, from preconception to early childhood.

Nutrition: Building Health and Resilience from the Start

Nutrition interventions are a cornerstone of strong MNCH programming. The toolkit’s new Nutrition module delivers a package of evidence-based interventions that address the nutritional needs of women and children at every life stage – from preconception through pregnancy, postpartum, and early childhood.

ASHA Babita Pal helped save the life of an undernourished young mother in Mau.

When integrated into routine health services, these interventions help prevent stunting, wasting, and micronutrient deficiencies. They also actively promote healthy fetal development, cognitive function, and strong immune systems, laying the groundwork for long-term wellness and productivity. TCI-trained health workers are already putting these strategies into practice. For example, in Mau, Uttar Pradesh, Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) Babita Pal helped save the life of a young pregnant woman experiencing severe anemia:

Dhara was only a month into her pregnancy but was already experiencing extreme fatigue and weakness. Her husband, Aakash Raj, didn’t realize how serious it was. I convinced them to visit the District Women’s Hospital the very next day.”

Thanks to early intervention and nutritional support, Dhara delivered a healthy baby – one of many success stories now possible through expanded MNCH efforts.

Immunization: Protecting Lives Through Prevention

TCI’s new Immunization module reinforces the role of vaccines as one of the most cost-effective public health tools available. The interventions are centered around an integrated approach to maternal and childhood immunization that includes timely vaccine delivery, capacity building for health workers, and demand generation at the community level.

ASHA Neelam Devi and her MAS are working to improve access end vaccine hesitancy in Unnao.

TCI’s family planning work has already integrated MNCH into interventions such as postpartum family planning. In Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, a women’s group led by ASHA Ram Devi, Neelam Devi, Secretary of the Mahila Arogya Samiti (MAS), used storytelling, video, and peer engagement to overcome several mothers’ deep-rooted fears around vaccines:

Ultimately, one day they agreed to vaccinate their children. It was a proud and emotional moment for all of us. Not only were two more children protected, but it also reaffirmed the power of community engagement… Our MAS is now more committed than ever, with one shared goal: ‘Not even a single child should be left behind from the circle of immunization.’”

By making immunization services more accessible and trusted, TCI’s model is reducing vaccine hesitancy and ensuring no child is left behind.

A Stronger Toolkit for Local Leadership

With these additional modules, the MNCH Toolkit offers even more comprehensive support to local governments looking to strengthen their primary healthcare systems. The Nutrition and Immunization modules build on TCI’s holistic approach to MNCH, which is rooted in a family planning program that has already contributed to 5.6 million additional family planning clients and improved service delivery across 214 local governments in 13 countries. In addition to Nutrition and Immunization modules, TCI’s MNCH Toolkit has modules for Service Delivery and Health Systems Strengthening. Each module includes step-by-step guidance, implementation tools, and adaptable strategies to help local governments lead their own MNCH programming. As global health investments tighten, TCI’s approach to strengthening both local health systems and individual capacity stands out as a sustainable model for locally led change. The toolkit’s newest components ensure that Healthy Families and Healthy Communities remain at the heart of every intervention. Visit the MNCH Toolkit on TCI University to explore the full suite of resources.