Suaahara II Good Nutrition Program Fifth Annual Report, July 16, 2020 – July 15, 2021

The program is managed by Helen Keller International in partnership with several local organizations, including Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere, Inc. (CARE), Family Health International 360 (FHI360), and Environmental and Public Health Organization (ENPHO). The program's primary focus is on improving household nutrition through the adoption of essential nutrition actions, including maternal, infant, and young child nutrition (MIYCN) practices. To achieve this goal, the program has implemented several interventions, including farmer training programs, infrastructure development, and market linkage facilitation. The program has also established demonstration plots in 15 communities to showcase the benefits of sustainable agriculture techniques. One of the key outcomes of the program is the improved capacity of health service providers to conduct high-quality nutrition assessment, counseling, and support (NACS). The program has also increased accessibility and quality of outreach services for women, children, adolescent girls, and disadvantaged groups. Additionally, the program has promoted healthy timing and spacing of pregnancy (HTSP) through the provision of accessible family planning services. The program has also focused on improving access to diverse and nutrient-rich foods by women and children. This has been achieved through the increased production of nutrient-rich foods on homesteads, increased income from homestead food production, and increased resilience of communities and households to potential nutrition shocks. Furthermore, the program has accelerated the rollout of the Micronutrient Supplement Program (MSNP) through strengthened local governance. The program has made significant progress in achieving its intermediate results, including improved household nutrition and health behaviors, increased use of quality nutrition and health services, improved access to diverse and nutrient-rich foods, and accelerated rollout of MSNP. The program has also addressed key issues and challenges, including social and behavior change, gender equality and social inclusion, public-private partnerships, emergency preparedness and response, and monitoring, evaluation, and research. The program's achievements are reflected in the progress against its annual workplan, budget expenditures, international travel details, and progress against the Integrated Program Technical Team (IPTT). The program has also made significant contributions to the development of the country's health and nutrition sector, including the establishment of a community health score board, community mapping census, and district health information system. The program's success can be attributed to its strong partnerships with local organizations, government agencies, and community groups. The program has also leveraged the expertise of its partners to develop and implement effective interventions that address the complex issues of household nutrition and health behaviors in Nepal. The program's achievements serve as a model for future initiatives aimed at improving household nutrition and health behaviors in developing countries.