Improving Nutrition in Somaliland End of Project Report

The project was implemented by the World Concern Development Organization (WCDO) in partnership with the International Food Relief Partnership (IFRP) and received funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The project's primary objective was to improve the nutritional status of vulnerable individuals, particularly children and pregnant and lactating mothers, in the target areas. The project's interventions focused on child and maternal nutrition programs, which included the provision of nutrition commodities and supplements to 6-24-month-old children and pregnant and lactating mothers. Additionally, the project implemented training programs for mothers on proper maternal and child nutrition practices, including breastfeeding, maternal nutrition during pregnancy, and proper hygiene and sanitation practices. The project also conducted community engagement meetings and mobilization activities to raise awareness about the importance of nutrition and health. During the project period, a total of 1,800 pregnant women and lactating mothers were screened and given nutrition supplements, while 5,400 children aged 6-24 months were also screened and provided with nutrition supplements. The project's blanket supplementary feeding program resulted in a significant reduction in the malnutrition status of children and pregnant and lactating mothers, with a decrease in the Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) rate from 8.6% to 7.8% and a decrease in the Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) rate from 3.7% to 2.1%. The project's results measurement showed that the project contributed to the improvement of the nutritional status of children and pregnant and lactating mothers. Knowledge and perceptions of malnutrition among mothers revealed that the most common causes of malnutrition were diseases, lack of food, and inadequate nutrient intake. However, there is a need to improve knowledge regarding appropriate feeding practices and the importance of diverse and nutrient-rich diets, which has been complicated by the drought. The project's overall performance was significant, with a total of 7,200 beneficiary cards distributed to project beneficiaries and 6,783 mothers and/or caregivers trained in health and nutrition promotion measures. The project also treated 2,349 people, mostly children and pregnant and lactating mothers, and provided basic medical treatments, including maternal micronutrient supplements during pregnancy and lactation. The project's geographic focus was on the eastern regions of Sanaag and Sool, Somaliland, where the prevalence of acute malnutrition is high. The project's timeframes were from September 30, 2021, to March 31, 2023, during which the project implemented its interventions and achieved significant results. The project's recommendations for future interventions include the need to improve knowledge regarding appropriate feeding practices and the importance of diverse and nutrient-rich diets, particularly in the context of the drought.