Nutrition for Growth One Year On - Progress on commitments and the role of civil society at country

Delivering nutrition commitments: the role of SUN Civil Society Alliances

In June 2013, Governments, business leaders, academics and civil society gathered in London for the Nutrition for Growth event. $23 billion was committed for nutrition interventions – a huge victory for all who have worked hard to raise the profile of nutrition over the last few years.

How many of those commitments will be delivered? Will they have the desired impact? How many children’s lives will be saved because of the efforts of Nutrition for Growth? All good questions that we don’t yet have the answers to.

Scaling Up Nutrition Civil Society Alliances in a number of countries where Governments made commitments at the Nutrition for Growth event have been working to ensure accountability for those commitments. The SUN Civil Society Alliances in Bangladesh, Benin, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and Zambia have all provided updates on progress for the Nutrition for Growth one year anniversary (see blog series). They show some exciting advancements and demonstrate the value of civil society being involved in the process of developing, costing and implementing national nutrition plans.

The Government of Sierra Leone joined the Scaling Up Nutrition movement in October 2012 with the Civil Society Platform (CSP) forming in April 2013. The CSP has already engaged over 50 national and international NGOs, over 200 market women, 300 religious and traditional leaders, plus farmers, fishermen, human rights defenders, women’s groups and many others, to reflect the belief that a common voice comprised of multiple stakeholders with a consistent message on nutrition can make a difference.

The Government of Sierra Leone attended the Nutrition for Growth event and made some impressive commitments, including commitments to finalise and endorse a five year Nutrition and Food Security costed plan by July 2013 and increase the Government’s financial allocation to nutrition and food security and create a specific budget line for nutrition in budgets for the Ministries of Health and Sanitation, Agriculture and other relevant Ministries. According to the CSP, the Government is able to demonstrate good progress towards these commitments with a costed Food and Security Policy Implementation Plan (FNSPIP) in place. The plan, launched in October 2013, was developed by all relevant sectors in conjunction with the Nutrition Working Group and thus has a strong multi-sectoral focus. At a recent meeting with the First Lady, Madam Sia Koroma, commended the efforts of the CSP and pledged her support to champion the fight against malnutrition.

The value of civil society being involved in developing, costing and implementing nutrition policies and plans is clear in many countries – plans are more holistic, realistic and are often more likely to be implemented when civil society is involved. The Nutrition for Growth one year anniversary this month is a chance to demonstrate the progress that has been made over the last year and highlight any challenges that have been encountered so that civil society and other stakeholders can work with Governments to advance efforts to tackle malnutrition.

Marie Rumsby, Head of Hunger& Nutrition, Save the Children, UK

Bangladesh

Civil Society Alliance for Scaling Up Nutrition, Bangladesh – a key stakeholder to scaling up nutrition efforts in the country

Alongside the government, the civil society in Bangladesh plays a huge role in addressing developmental issues such as malnutrition. As of April 2014, there are approximately 2300 registered organizations under the NGO Affairs Bureau, reflecting the sheer size of civil society in Bangladesh. As a civil society alliance, we enable a multi-stakeholder platform consisting of non-government organizations, academic and research institutes, professional associations, media and other concerned individuals to collectively advocate and mobilize a country led movement and response for the reduction of malnutrition. Civil society is capable of cascading the important nutrition specific and sensitive messages to the community level. CSA for SUN’s role is to strengthen the knowledge of nutrition both nationally and sub-nationally, which includes advocacy seminars for district and divisional level influentials, capacity building of grassroots NGO’s, media campaigning through talk shows, roundtables, TV spots and training of stakeholders to work beyond the health sector. The newly appointed SUN Government Focal Point is actively addressing nutrition on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It is hoped that the joint efforts of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, civil society network, donor network, UN, business network working for SUN will highlight the issue of malnutrition to the Prime Minister in light of the post-MDG framework.

Civil Society Alliance for Scaling Up Nutrition, Bangladesh Secretariat

Photo credits: © Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Benin

Benin– évolution des engagements pour lutter contre la malnutrition

Depuis novembre 2007, le Bénin s’est engagé dans le processus économique de réforme dans le secteur de la nutrition à travers une approche multisectorielle et multidimensionnelle inclusive caractérisée par l’implication de tous les acteurs à tous les niveaux. Ainsi donc, le Mouvement SUN-Bénin est un cadre commun de dialogue, d’échange, de réflexion et d’action regroupant deux plateformes à savoir:

• Le Conseil national de l’Alimentation et de la Nutrition (CAN) composée des trois réseaux/secteurs d’activité humaine, (i) Secteur politique, (ii) Secteur privé (iii) Société civile. Il a été mis en place par le Décret Présidentiel N° 2009-245 du 09 juin 2009/CAN et placé sous le haut patronage du Président de la République dont le représentant M. Jean Cocou TOSSA est le Point Focal SUN-BENIN.

• Le réseau des Partenaires Techniques et financiers regroupant les organisations du système des nations-unies et des donateurs ayant pour chef de file l’Unicef et la Banque Mondiale comme chef de file-adjoint.

Un atelier d’auto-évaluation des progrès enregistrés sur les quatre grands critères/objectifs de développement du Mouvement SUN organisé le 09 mai 2014 a permis de noter quelques avancées notables

Le 8 Juin 2013, le Benin prend des engagements au Sommet de Nutrition pour la Croissance :

Le Plan Stratégique de développement de l’alimentation et de la nutrition (PSDAN) est le document de politique générale du Bénin qui définit à la fois les approches spécifiques ou contribuant à la nutrition ou les approches de « courte et longue durée » vers l’amélioration de la nutrition. Le plan stratégique est mis en œuvre par le biais d’un Programme national d’alimentation et de nutrition axé sur les résultats (PANAR) et le Programme national pour la sécurité alimentaire.

Le PANAR comporte cinq sous-programmes qui portent sur les interventions nutritionnelles directes alors que le programme national pour la sécurité alimentaire comporte deux axes d’intervention qui portent sur un secteur agricole contribuant à la nutrition.

Le coût du PANAR et du Programme national pour la sécurité alimentaire a été évalué avec un budget prévisionnel de 144 millions de dollars américains. Même s’il est vrai que le gouvernement a confirmé récemment la création en 2013 d’une ligne budgétaire distincte pour la nutrition, les fonds nécessaires à la mise en œuvre de ces programmes doivent être levés de toute urgence. En outre, la feuille de route SUN pour la mise en œuvre au Bénin est un document de planification relativement récent et en cours d’élaboration qui vise à harmoniser les approches de « courte durée » et « longue durée » du PANAR et le Programme national pour la sécurité alimentaire.

Les objectifs du Bénin sont de réduire la malnutrition chronique de 43% à 30 % d'ici 2020, à augmenter exclusifs taux d'allaitement à 46 % d'ici 2020, et de maintenir à moins de 5% taux de malnutrition aiguë chez les enfants de moins de 5 ans.

Avec l'appui du Japon, le Bénin a lancé un projet d’éducation communautaire en nutrition dans 10 communautés vulnérables, dans le but de voir ce qui fonctionne pour renforcer les interventions et l'avenir du pays jusqu'à l'échelle. Les efforts en cours à travers des programmes sectoriels différents - l'agriculture, la protection sociale, l'éducation, le sexe (avec les points focaux dans les départements ministériels) - ont été mis en place. En plus de ce travail, Le Benin s’est engagé à :

• Élaborer et lancer un plan intégré de communication pour promouvoir l'allaitement maternel exclusif, doit être finalisé en 2013.

• Promouvoir des pratiques appropriées d'alimentation complémentaire pour les enfants de moins de 2 à tous les niveaux, y compris avec les communautés.

• Élaborer une stratégie de mobilisation des ressources pour mettre en œuvre le nouveau programme national (PANAR).

• Développer notre plan de suivi et d'évaluation pour établir une base de référence pour mesurer les progrès et d'intégrer les indicateurs de nutrition dans le plan national de santé.

Notre vision est pour le Bénin de veiller à ce que toutes les personnes aient un statut nutritionnel adéquat afin qu'ils puissent contribuer au développement de notre nation émergente.

Progrès en termes des engagements pris

1- Élaborer et lancer un plan intégré de communication (PIC) pour promouvoir l'allaitement maternel exclusif (AME), doit être finalisé en 2013.

Le PIC pour la promotion de l’AME reste une priorité pour la gestion de cycle de 1000 jours et figure en bonne place dans la mise en œuvre du PMASN. Il sera développé dès le démarrage du projet.

2- Promouvoir des pratiques appropriées d'alimentation complémentaire pour les enfants de moins de 2 ans à tous les niveaux, y compris avec les communautés.

La promotion des pratiques appropriées d’alimentation complémentaire pour les enfants de moins de deux ans est en cours dans les dix communes touchées par le projet de Nutrition communautaire. Elle sera renforcée par la mise à l’échelle progressive des interventions de nutrition à travers le PMASN et le PANAR à plus ou moins long termes. Elle relève d’une stratégie de prévention de la malnutrition aiguë et de la gestion de la fenêtre d’opportunité de 1000jours.

3- Élaborer une stratégie de mobilisation des ressources pour mettre en œuvre le nouveau programme national (PANAR).

Le PANAR adossé au Plan Stratégique de Développement de l’alimentation et de la nutrition est costé/budgétisé à 72 milliards de FCFA selon le scénario 2 -Optimiste. Il est envisagé une contribution de 8% pour les collectivités locales, de 12% pour l’Etat central et de 80% pour les Partenaires techniques et financiers (PTF). La table ronde des PTF devant permettre la mobilisation de la contrepartie de chacune des parties prenantes peine à être une réalité et classée pour l’instant au second plan par rapport à l’organisation de a table ronde économique prévue par le gouvernement dans les prochains jours à Paris. Remarquons cependant que l’Etat béninois mobilise déjà 14 milliards à travers le financement du PMASN par un prêt de la Banque Mondiale.

4- Développer notre plan de suivi et d'évaluation pour établir une base de référence pour mesurer les progrès et d'intégrer les indicateurs de nutrition dans le plan national de santé.

Le processus de mise en place d’un plan de suivi et évaluation est en cours en prélude au lancement très prochain du PMASN. Un cadre logique du PANAR a été développé lors du costing/budgétisation du PSDAN et sert actuellement de référence pour le développement du plan de suivi et évaluation du PMASN. En outre, une étude de référence sur la nutrition dans les 77 communes du Bénin est en cours de préparation et sera mise en œuvre sous-peu. Les résultats qui en découleront permettront à coup sûr d’intégrer des indicateurs de nutrition dans le plan national de santé

Un effort remarquable de tous les acteurs dans l’Alignement des programmes sur les politiques de Nutrition nationales pertinentes s’observe avec la diffusion de plus en plus large du plan stratégique de développement de l’Alimentation et de la nutrition ainsi que son intégration dans la Stratégie de Croissance pour la Réduction de la Pauvreté (SCRP - Horizon 2015) au Bénin.

Une lenteur dans l’alignement des Partenaires techniques et financiers autour du cadre commun de résultats est à déplorer.

Appel à l’action ou transparence pour ce processus

L’Etat béninois, conscient des enjeux économiques de la nutrition et de la sécurité alimentaire multiplie les initiatives, prend des engagements au plan national et international et facilite la mise en place d’un cadre favorable à l’action de tous les acteurs intervenant dans le secteur. Ce qui se traduit par:

• l’adoption du Plan stratégique de relance du secteur agricole

• l’adhésion du Bénin à l’Initiative du G8 pour la sécurité alimentaire et la nutrition et à l’initiative AGIR

• l’allocation de ressources budgétaire en augmentation pour le fonctionnement du CAN

• la contractualisation d’un prêt d’environ 14 milliards de Francs CFA auprès de la Banque Mondiale pour financer le Projet Multisectoriel de l’Alimentation, de la Santé et de la Nutrition (PMASN)

Le rôle des plateformes de sociétés civiles et / ou point focaux gouvernementaux vers l’achèvement des engagements pris :

La nutrition étant un secteur laissé pour compte, rares sont les organisations de la société civile qui s’investissaient dans la lutte contre la malnutrition au Bénin. D’où les difficultés actuelles de la société civile à identifier et mobiliser les organisations professionnelles intervenant dans la lutte contre la malnutrition. Une cartographie des interventions et intervenants dans le secteur vient d’être lancé par le CAN.

Cependant, la société civile béninoise regorge d’énormes potentialités à travers ses multiples réseaux thématiques sans un véritable alignement global autour des questions de la nutrition. Elle est représentée au sein CAN par une organisation non gouvernementale reconnue pour ses actions de nutrition communautaire sur le terrain (GABF-ONG) et la Ligue de Défense des Consommateurs au Bénin (LDCB) qui ont pour rôle de mobiliser, informer et sensibiliser les organisations de la société civile pour soutenir les réformes en cours dans le secteur.

Des initiatives sont en cours pour un meilleur alignement des OSC intervenant dans le secteur autour des politiques et plan de développement du secteur.

Célestin Agassounon, Nutritionniste, Représentant des ONG au sein du CAN

Photo Credits: © UNICEF/Asselin

Ethiopia

Marking One Year of N4G Commitments: Where are we?

As we mark the one year anniversary of Nutrition for Growth commitments made by leaders, donors, CSOs, private sectors to end malnutrition, it is important to celebrate our achievements and press on where we are lacking.

Among other governments that committed to increase the domestic resources invested in scaling up nutrition and reduce stunting, Ethiopia has shown progress in various fronts.

With still a long way to go, the government of Ethiopia has made commendable progress to ensure the realization of its commitments. During this period, the country saw the revised National Nutrition Program (NNP) launch, which is a multi-sectoral initiative to address malnutrition. The program has been pronounced as a big step forward to tackle malnutrition and reduce stunting. This historic launch brought together relevant sector ministries, civil society organizations, donors, academia, and private sectors on board to deliberate on nutrition and agree on a way forward.

The National Nutrition Coordinating Body (NNCB), chaired by the Ministry of Health, comprises government sectors, donors, partners, civil society organizations (CSOs), academia, and the private sector, has now been re-vitalized to ensure ownership and a viable linkage among line ministries. NNCB remains the main mechanism for leadership, policy decisions and coordination of the National Nutrition Programme. However, this coordination mechanism could have been stronger if it were chaired and reportable to the Prime Minister’s Office.

CSOs have been instrumental in the design, revision and current roll out endeavours of the NNP. The contribution CSOs made to a nutrition advocacy workshop organized for parliamentarians, is one of a kind. This advocacy forum represented a great opportunity to raise awareness of the MPs on how investing in multi-sectoral nutrition program contributes to national development. The workshop served an opportunity to ask for greater political support for investing in nutrition.

The Ethiopian Civil Society Coalition for Scaling up Nutrition (ECSC-SUN) is expected to add value to the on-going efforts. Aligning their plans and strategies with that of the government and providing technical and financial support to the relevant sectoral ministries for nutrition specific and nutrition sensitive programming, member organizations are and should continue playing an essential role.

Million Shibeshi, MD, MAHA, DTMPH, Health and Nutrition Team Leader, Save the Children & Ethiopian Civil Society Coalition (ECSC)

Photo credits: © Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Guatemala

Compromisos - Pacto Hambre Cero en Guatemala y Nutrición para el Crecimiento

En febrero del 2012, el Gobierno de Guatemala y representantes de todos los sectores del país firmaron el Pacto Hambre Cero, iniciando un movimiento nacional y un compromiso de Estado que busca afrontar de manera directa y contundente el problema del hambre en el país, a través de 3 objetivos :

• Disminuir en 10% la prevalencia de la desnutrición crónica infantil en un plazo de cuatro años.

• Evitar y reducir las muertes por desnutrición aguda.

• Enfrentar la pobreza y promover el desarrollo que lleve a su erradicación.

Después de dos años de Gobierno se ha evidenciado que los esfuerzos aún no han sido suficientes para el logro de estas metas. Según un estudio realizado por el Instituto Centroamericano de Estudios Fiscales –ICEFI-, las intervenciones para la reducción de la desnutrición reunirán de entre Q.1, 193.4 millones en 2012 lo que representa cerca del 0.3% del PIB, hasta Q. 13,743.8 millones en 2021, es decir aproximadamente 1.75% del PIB. Si se desea lograr los efectos esperados de las intervenciones para la erradicación de la desnutrición crónica, será necesario revisar los rubros de seguridad alimentaria, así mismo se requerirá aumentar los recursos para mejorar la cobertura y la calidad de los servicios de salud, avanzar en los programas de agua potable y saneamiento ambiental, mejorar el presupuesto para alimentación escolar y establecer un programa de microcréditos para las familias.

FUENTE: ICEFI

Una sociedad civil coordinada para apoyar esfuerzos y velar por el cumplimiento de los compromisos pactados por el Gobierno

En el marco de la Red de Sociedad Civil del movimiento SUN, el valor de la participación de la sociedad civil en el proceso de la lucha contra la desnutrición es fundamental desarrollando acciones de cooperación interinstitucional en el marco de sus competencias y capacidades. La alianza de organizaciones de la sociedad civil en Guatemala incidirá en la toma de decisiones y realizara propuestas concretas para fortalecer la prestación de servicios de salud y nutrición de las mujeres y niños menores de dos años ante los garantes de Gobierno. El rol de la sociedad civil es velar por el cumplimiento de los compromisos pactados por el Gobierno así como la realización de auditoria social de las acciones de la estrategia de la Ventana de los Mil Días en los 166 municipios priorizados por desnutrición crónica de los 18 departamentos de Guatemala, ya que a nivel comunitario la población es la más afectada por la vulneración de sus derechos, el derecho a la salud y el derecho a la alimentación. Además, el posicionamiento como sociedad civil es importante para hacer la incidencia en el nivel municipal, departamental y nacional.

Andrea María Aldana, Coordinadora del Proyecto SUN – Alianza de sociedad civil SUN, Save the Children Guatemala

Photo credits - © Micronutrient Initiative

Nigeria

Nigerian journey towards Nutrition security: One year after N4G in London

Even though a lot more is desired, Nigeria has made modest progress towards Nutrition security from June, 2013 London Summit on Nutrition for Growth (N4G). At the beginning of the campaign in 2013, the stunting burden in Nigeria was put at 11 million children going by 2008 NDHS report. Total cost needed for Direct Nutrition Interventions was put at US$ 436 million per year. We recommended that Nigeria should commit to providing for 65% of the cost (US$ 283 million per year) while donors complete it with 35% (US$ 152 million per year)

Targets

For our campaign, we targeted the Ministers for Finance, Health, Agriculture, National Planning and Foreign Affairs knowing that advocacy to these officers of government would allow us to have a powerful delegation representing Nigeria in London and ensure that Nigeria made strong commitments.

What we did

For the first time in Nigeria, a National coalition of Civil Society Organizations was formed comprising of Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria, Market Women Association, Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria and Women Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria among others. We supported the coalition to organize a roundtable meeting calling on Nigeria to commit to specific and robust investment in Nutrition. The coalition wrote letters to foreign embassies of UK, US and Norway urging them to pressure Nigeria to send a high level delegation to London and make strong commitments. The coalition supported a Nutrition champion, the Asagba of Asaba to address the press on the issues of strong representation. A communique was issued and the coalition also addressed a press conference. The coalition is now being institutionalized and registered by Nigeria’s corporate Affairs Commission.

The result

Nigeria was represented in London by Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development (FMoARD) as well as the Minister of State for Health. Nigeria made a number of commitments which, though below our expectation, were for us a starting point. We have been really expectant for a change on Nutrition budgeting in Nigeria in 2014. At the Federal level, we now know that government has budgeted for Nutrition specifically in the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) for the first time (N50m) and N10m in National Primary Health Care Development Agency (grossly below the commitment in London). FMoARD has also budgeted for Nutrition sensitive Agriculture. At the state level, Zamfara and Gombe states have budgeted for Nutrition for the second year running and Zamfara has actually started by putting in money in the state Primary Health Care Basket fund regularly every month. Katsina state has indicated willingness to budget for Nutrition by creating a line in the Ministry of Health.

Next steps

Save the children and the coalition will be following up on the Nigerian commitments in the coming months by really demanding for effective expenditure on Nutrition and accountability. We are supporting the states and the Federal Government to have implementable plans and to ensure that the plans are carried out in line with the new policy which is now on the National Planning Minister’s table for approval.

Dr. David Olayemi, Senior Advocacy Manager, Save the Children, Nigeria

Photo Credits: © Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Sierra Leone

A Journey to end malnutrition in Sierra Leone

Role of Civil Society in Sierra Leone – sustainably scaling up nutrition

In April 2013, civil society organizations joined the National Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement to curb malnutrition in the country by forming the Civil Society Platform (CSP). We immediately established a coordination mechanism with FOCUS 1000 – a national NGO - elected Chair and Helen Keller International – elected Co-chair. FOCUS 1000 was also elected to serve as the host secretariat. The CSP has already engaged over 50 national and international NGOs, over 200 market women, 300 religious and traditional leaders, plus farmers, fishermen, human rights defenders, women’s groups, consumer groups, trade unions, and many others, to reflect the belief that a common voice comprised of multiple stakeholders with a consistent message on nutrition can make a difference. Religious leaders have pledged to include nutrition messages in their sermons while market women have agreed to promote exclusive breastfeeding for all children up to 6 months within their peer networks. The CSP has also established a Media Network including journalists from 15 media houses to amplify the voice of civil society in advocating for continued political commitment for and investment in nutrition.

The contribution of civil society is well recognized in Sierra Leone. CSOs played a crucial role in ending the 10-year civil war during the 1990s. Using similar strategies we can significantly contribute to ending malnutrition and hunger in the country. Civil society organizations have an unrivaled level of access, reaching the poorest and most remote sections of the population, overcoming barriers of illiteracy, class, gender and other societal divides. CSOs are familiar with local conditions, and serve as a platform where the poor and marginalized can voice their needs and opinions, and be heard. With a strong force CSOs can hold the government and other stakeholders accountable to the people, and ensure that nutrition is given the priority it deserves in the national agenda.

Working united to fight malnutrition – multi-sectoral, multi-stakeholder and multi-level approach

Working with government and partners, the SUN CSP in Sierra Leone has embarked on a journey to end malnutrition in Sierra Leone. “We realize that it is not going to be an easy journey but we are hopeful”. The multi-facetted nature of malnutrition is a clear indication that alleviating poor nutrition cannot be done by a single sector, but requires strong linkages among partners across sectors. This is why we are building a grand alliance to strike a heavy blow on malnutrition and lay a solid foundation for a healthy and happy Sierra Leone.

Progress on Sierra Leone’s commitments at the June 2013 Nutrition for Growth summit

In June 2013, the government of Sierra Leone committed to honour its membership in the SUN Movement, and expressed their resolve to addressing key policies and implementation issues related to food and nutrition security. Sierra Leone committed to reducing the prevalence of stunting from 25.7 % to 11.7% (for children under 2 years) and wasting from 6.9% to 2% by 2020, while increasing exclusive breastfeeding from 32% to 70%.

One year on, Sierra Leone can already demonstrate progress on these commitments, with a costed Food and Security Policy Implementation Plan(FNSPIP) in place. The plan was developed by all relevant sectors in conjunction with the Nutrition Working Group and thus has a strong multi-sectoral focus and is aligned with the agriculture sectoral plan (Smallholder Commercialisation Programme) and water initiatives (Water Policy).

The total cost of the FNSPIP over five years is approximately $117 million (47% for nutrition-specific interventions, 20% for nutrition sensitive approaches and 33% for strengthening governance). This is an average of $23 million per year, with a per capita annual cost of just over $3.

Though donors are increasingly aligning behind the government plan and supporting national nutrition efforts, there is still a current funding gap for scaling up nutrition in Sierra Leone estimated at around $81 million for 5 years.

Two major challenges remain for Sierra Leone: leveraging greater resources for nutrition and strengthening coordination for nutrition. These two areas are crucial to effective implementation of the plan and scaling up nutrition at district level.

“We are inspired by the continued commitment of the government. A SUN Secretariat has been established under the Office of the Vice-President; a National Food and Nutrition Security Policy and Implementation Plan for 2013 – 2017 has been developed with active participation of all stakeholders; the Nutrition Unit in the Ministry of Health and Sanitation has been upgraded into a Directorate with a budget line; and above all, nutrition is given prominence in the President’s Agenda for Prosperity. At a recent meeting with the First Lady, Madam Sia Koroma, in Freetown she commended our efforts and pledged her support to champion the fight against malnutrition.” SUN CSP Sierra Leone

Mohammad Bailor Jalloh, MPH, Chief Executive Officer, FOCUS 1000 and SUN Civil Society Platform in Sierra Leone

Photo Credits: © Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka makes commitments at the June 2013 Nutrition for Growth Summit

In June 2013, Sri Lanka had commenced implementation of the Multi-sector Action Plan for Nutrition (MSAPN), which includes enhanced domestic and international resources for 17 implementing Ministries, for both nutrition specific and nutrition sensitive interventions and programmes. This action plan will focus, enhance and facilitate the on-going nutrition related activities by the relevant Ministries and departments.

To support achieving our action plan we committed to increase our domestic financial and technical resources for nutrition in health, agriculture and education sectors by up to 30% by 2016, and for other main sectors by 10% from current levels, starting from 2014.

Specific results we aimed to achieve are:

• Prevalence of stunting and underweight children reduced by 40% to 8.4% by 2016, wasting to less than 5%, and no increase of overweight children under five years from 2012 figures.

• Prevalence of low birth weight children reduced to 11.9% by 2016, and prevalence of underweight women reduced by 30% to 11.1% by 2016.

• Prevalence of anaemia reduced among children aged 6 to 59 months to 16.5% and among non-pregnant women aged 15 to 45 years to 18% by 2016 (50% reduction).

• Household food insecurity reduced to 10% of households by 2016 (from 20% in 2009).

• Reduction of households not having access to safe drinking water to 8.4% by 2016 and reduction of households lacking adequate sanitation facilities to 10% by 2016.

Tracking commitments

A monthly nutrition focal point meeting is being organized by National Nutrition Secretariat with representatives from 17 ministries and other stakeholders to track down accountability and the progress of country nutrition sector has been made.

Civil Society recognised as a key stakeholder in Sri Lanka

Realizing the importance of the role that Civil Society can play in multi sector approach, Sri Lankan government wanted to see more initiatives from the Civil Society in contributing to the implementation of MSAPN.

It was a timely opportunity that Sri Lanka could join the SUN movement. A platform is being established for Civil Society to engaged and influence with the implementation of MSAPN.

Civil Society – the beginning of coordinated efforts towards effective multi-stakeholder scaling up nutrition efforts in Sri Lanka

In Colombo, Sri Lanka the SUN Civil Society Forum (CSF) was kicked off at the presidential secretariat on 12 May 2014. Save the Children together with the National Nutrition Coordinator’s Office invited Civil Society Organizations including INGOs and local NGOs who have agreed to be part of the Executive Council of the CSF. These organizations were selected collaboratively by National Nutrition Secretariat and Save the Children based on the work they are undertaking in the nutrition sector in Sri Lanka. A total of eight organizations attended the meeting and they all expressed their willingness to be a member of CSF-Executive Council.

Dr. Lalith Chandradasa, National Nutrition Coordinator and the Save the Children Country Director William Lynch made special remarks on the need of the SUN project to the country.

The Goal of forming and function CSF is to gather and capacitating the civil society organizations while giving them platform for active involvement of the implementation of country’s Multi Sector Nutrition Action Plan developed by National Nutrition Council of the country.

Civil Society as a key stakeholder for nutrition in Sri Lanka will play a key role in advocacy for nutrition prioritization and financing, implementation of the Multi-sector Action Plan for Nutrition and its monitoring as well as crucial role towards social mobilisation for nutrition prioritisation at all levels down to the household level. Civil Society not only represents the voices of women and children suffering from the multiple burden of malnutrition but bring an extremely valuable advantage of huge presence on the ground, a great asset for national efforts towards scaling up nutrition.

Saman Kalupahana - Senior Manager Health and Nutrition- Save the Children & SUN Civil Society Alliance in Sri Lanka

Photo Credits: © Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Tanzania

How Could Nutrition Grow – a Successful Story from Tanzania

Tanzania– Active contributors to the June 2013 Nutrition for Growth Summit

Some time ago, while preparing for the meeting on behalf of Partnership for Nutrition in Tanzania, a massive civil society coalition working on nutrition I met 19 year old Frank Kapeta, a young reporter sponsored by Save the Children in Tanzania who attended the Global Nutrition for Growth meeting that was held in London, on the 7th and 8th of June 2013. I was impressed to hear that he was chosen by his peers to represent the country and to speak about Tanzania and its commitments around nutrition from the angle of a young person. On that occasion Frank met many people we only see on television, high level politicians and businessmen such as David Cameron and Bill Gates and managed to advocate at the high level Global Hunger Summit representing the youth of the country and speaking on the accelerated nutrition outcomes.

Nutrition for Growth – one year on

Only a year after this key event Tanzania is seeing a big change. So called Nutrition focal points are deployed in all of the 160 districts in Tanzania. Real work is being done with enforcement of national standard for oil, wheat and maize fortification with large scale producers signing the agreements with the government to fortify the flour and oil before selling to consumers all over the country. National budget line for nutrition is a part of the budget which raises a hope that nutrition is starting its life as a serious developmental issue of the country, especially now when it’s fully integrated into agriculture and food investment plans. Towards the end of 2013, the government carried out nutrition public expenditure survey to assess the extent of fiscal discipline, allocative and operational efficiency in the nutrition sector in line with defined protocols. The survey outcome is expected to mobilize the government, development partners and the private sector to increase the allocation of financial resources to improve nutrition in the country while ensuring that efficiency and accountability systems are in place.

Partnership for Nutrition Tanzania (PANITA) is advocating for national and local government authorities to implement nutrition priorities as indicated in the National Nutrition Strategy (NNS) by incorporating the priorities in plans and budgets. As a way of implementing the NNS, of recent the government launched the National Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) guideline and national regulations on marketing of foods and designated products for infants and young children with wide media coverage. We hope this will increase public knowledge on IYCF best practices and accelerate the scale up of IYCF interventions in the sub-national level.

Ingredient for success in Tanzania

You may ask yourself how this is possible. The answer is very simple – all stakeholders work in synergy, positive energy and feasible plans are keeping them together and the Prime Minister’s Office is in the very center of all that, having a mandate to concentrate all efforts and to ensure nutrition grows.

Jane Msagati, PANITA Program Coordinator

Photo Credits: © Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Zambia

CSO-SUN Alliance celebrates the one year anniversary of the Nutrition for Growth Summit

CSO-SUN Alliance – an active and busy stakeholder for advancing nutrition efforts in Zambia

Since June 2013 the Zambia Civil society Scaling Up Nutrition Alliance (CSO-SUN) embarked on strengthening and positioning itself well for advocacy and awareness raising on the importance of nutrition. According to national statistics 46.8% of children under the age of five are stunted.

Currently, CSO-SUN is operating at national level based in Lusaka and in 3 districts (Lundazi, Mumbwa and Samfya) chosen from the 14 target districts for the 1000 Days National program in phase one of implementation.

The Alliance has a broad membership comprising religious groups, Social Protection Organisations, Agriculture Research organisation, Water and Sanitation Organisations, Education organisations, International Organisation, Poverty Reduction, Community Organisations, Youth Organisations, Reproductive Health Organisation and Women Organisations.

The Zambia Civil Society Organisation has analysed the Government of Zambia’s budget estimates for 2 financial years – 2013 and 2014 and has conducted adapted advocacy efforts in light of the findings. They have appeared before Estimates Committee of Revenues and Expenditure in the Zambian Parliament

The Alliance has come up with policy recommendations that have since been incorporated in Government policies such as the Draft Social Protection Policy and the Revised Sixth National Development Plan.

CSO-SUN Alliance in Zambia has engaged members of parliament to advocate for effective programmes to tackle under nutrition. Today, these MPs have become champions of nutrition working with the CSOSUN. In its 2014 work plan, the CSO-SUN Alliance plans to broaden advocacy to parliamentarians from different political parties. For different political parties in Zambia, the alliance will reach out and talk to their parliamentarians so as to ensure nutrition is integrated within their manifesto and key activities and programmes are put in place should the party assume power.

Nutrition for Growth commitments – One year on

Following the commitments made by the Government of Zambia at the Nutrition for Growth (N4G) event in June 2013, the CSO-SUN has constantly reminded the Government on the importance of meeting the commitments. The budget analysis carried out by the CSO-SUN revealed that Government in the 2014 budget shows allocation of more than the 20% N4G commitment made by the Zambian Government. This applies to the National Food and Nutrition Commission only. Other budget lines especially those with direct nutrition interventions had no increases.

We note some progress with regard to establishing a degree course at the University of Zambia to train nutritionist, this was never there before. The course will help address serious human resource for nutrition issues in Zambia.

With Cooperating Partners, a pool fund for nutrition has been established to enable improved and well-coordinated nutrition funding among stakeholders in support of the implementation of the national nutrition plan in Zambia.

So far Government line Ministries have development plans that will soon be implemented in with the national SUN program.

In addition CSO-SUN is in the process of working with the First Lady’s office for high level advocacy aimed at ensuring that commitments are met. Particularly, ensuring that nutrition is prioritised in Government line Ministries.

Further, the CSO-SUN is a member of the Multi-stakeholder Platform (MSP) along with government, UN agencies, universities, manufacturers to formulate plans for scaling up nutrition & allocating roles. Different stakeholders report progress made during regular MSP meetings. The platform actually works well as a monitoring and evaluation of stakeholder’s activities around nutrition development in Zambia.

The Alliance has set up an influential civil society in the area of nutrition in Zambia, advocating and creating demand for improved nutrition both at policy making and household level.

CSO-SUN is promoting accountability for improved nutrition, through monitoring of nutrition programme implementation at national level and in the 3 target districts with strong involvement of the media.

Since the N4G we have seen a birth of new energies for nutrition development in Zambia, a base has been formed. Now is time for implementation.

William Chilufya, CSO-SUN coordinator in Zambia

Photo Credits: Salim Dalwood for Zambia Civil Society Organization Scaling Up Nutrition (CSO-SUN) Alliance

Zimbabwe

Generally, in Zimbabwe under-nutrition remains a key challenge to the survival of young children and ultimately to the overall development of the nation. The 2011 Zimbabwe Demographic Health Survey rates show that 32% of children under five are stunted, and 56% of children 6-59months are anaemic. The problem of chronic malnutrition if not addressed, has negative implications on the development and socio-economic status of future generations.

The main cause of chronic malnutrition and anaemia in children in Zimbabwe is inadequate infant and young child feeding (IYCF) which impedes the country’s ability to attain most of the Millennium Development Goals. Malnutrition also reduces life-time productivity and income, increases health care costs and decreases Gross Domestic Product.

The Zimbabwe Civil Society Organisations Scaling Up of Nutrition Alliance (ZCSOSUNA)

The Zimbabwe Civil Society Organisations Scaling Up of Nutrition Alliance (ZCSOSUNA) provides a platform for CSOs in Zimbabwe to contribute to the Global SUN initiative through advocacy and monitoring for accountability. ZCSOSUNA was formed in July 2013 as a follow-up to the Global Scaling Up of Nutrition (SUN) initiative. It is a partnership of twenty-one national and international non-governmental organizations, the media, academia, professional bodies and other stakeholder relevant to nutrition.

Since its formation, the alliance has embarked on strengthening and developing its governance structures and policy frameworks for effective and efficient coordination of its members. The CSOs alliance management committee has just finished the recruitment of a full time National Coordinator who commences work on the 1st of July 2014.

The Zimbabwe CSOs Alliance has been actively engaging policy makers and participating actively in key national processes organised by Food and Nutrition Council - the Government Focal Point. Recently, the alliance participated in the Country SUN teleconferences on Information Management Systems and Advocacy and Communications with the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General of Food Security and Nutrition.

The alliance was active in co- facilitation of a workshop on assessing progress and efficiency in scaling up nutrition in Zimbabwe organised by Food and Nutrition Council. The workshop was attended by the UN Network, CSOs Network and the Government Network.

Zimbabwe Nutrition for Growth commitments & progress

The Government of Zimbabwe attended the N4G meeting in London on 8 June 2013. With the funding from the Multi-Partner Trust Fund and the hiring of the National Coordinator, the CSOs Network is poised to expediently engage key stakeholders, the Government and donor community on the progress made on the N4G commitments. The commitments include, but not limited to following:

• Reducing stunting by at least 4% by 2025 and maintain low acute malnutrition status <3%

• Ensure strong national leadership to strengthen and develop high quality, validated and costed national nutrition plans by 2013

• Provide US$3.04 million towards programmes and to work with partners to address the remaining gap.

• Honour existing global and regional commitments on allocations for social services and ensure such investment is nutrition sensitive

• Enforce existing legal instruments and establish new ones as per need

• Ensure that multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholders policy implementation structures remain active and are accountable for implementation, monitoring and evaluation for nutrition response.

• Establish financial as well as outcome/impact tracking system of food and nutrition interventions by 2014

The Government of Zimbabwe has established the Food and Council as the multi-stakeholder platform to convene cross-sectoral stakeholders. A national coordinating mechanism was established and replicated at provincial and district level to ensure grassroots participation in all nutrition related processes. The Zimbabwe CSO Alliance strategically aligns itself within this framework by also planning to reach out to the grassroots level through the establishment of provincial and district level platforms for effective engagement.

Christopher Mweembe - Advocacy Advisor, Progressio UK seconded to Environment Africa

Photo credits: © UNICEF/Pirozzi