USAID Kenya Nutrition and Health Program Plus FY 2015 QUARTER 1 PROGRESS REPORT

The program will work closely with the Ministry of Health, National Health and Nutrition Unit, Kenya Medical Supplies Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards, and Kenya Nutritionists and Dieticians Institute to achieve its goals. The program's activities during the first quarter focused on meeting contractual requirements, identifying commodity suppliers, recruiting personnel, setting up the office, and developing a monitoring system. The program successfully submitted its proposed work-plan budget, narrative, branding and marking plans, revised organizational structure, and project monitoring plan, including a logical framework and indicator matrix. The program also developed a rapid mobilization plan to ensure continuity of services from the previous program. Consultative meetings were held with USAID, Food for Peace partners, and other stakeholders to share approved objectives and mandates, identify potential areas of collaboration, and establish linkages with national and relevant units for agriculture-related activities. Food manufacturers who scored above 50% in the previous survey were invited to submit bids for the supply of fortified blended food and ready-to-use therapeutic food commodities. Pre-analysis meetings were conducted to ensure that bidders understood the bid contents, quality assurance requirements, and program expectations. The program completed the procurement of 93 metric tons of fortified blended food to mitigate anticipated stock-outs. To inform program requirements and identify intervention gaps, the program will conduct SMART surveys and operation research activities. These activities will help prioritize resources and monitor the impact of the program on the population. The program will also participate in the National Inter-Agency Committees and technical working groups to support coordination and system strengthening. The program supported the assessment of 6,054 patients, with 34% receiving nutrition services. A more comprehensive data report will be provided in the second quarter. The program's performance monitoring plan includes monitoring and evaluation activities to track progress towards its objectives. The program will also conduct regular meetings with stakeholders to ensure that the program is meeting its contractual requirements and to identify areas for improvement. The program's work plan includes several key interventions, including: * Capacity strengthening: The program will provide training and technical assistance to health managers, healthcare workers, and community health workers to improve their skills and knowledge. * Data management: The program will develop and implement a data management system to track progress towards its objectives and to identify areas for improvement. * Monitoring and evaluation: The program will conduct regular monitoring and evaluation activities to track progress towards its objectives and to identify areas for improvement. The program's budget for the first quarter was $X, which was used to support the recruitment of personnel, set up the office, and develop the monitoring system. The program also received $Y for the procurement of fortified blended food. The program's next steps include: * Completing the procurement of fortified blended food * Conducting SMART surveys and operation research activities * Participating in the National Inter-Agency Committees and technical working groups * Providing technical assistance to health managers, healthcare workers, and community health workers * Developing and implementing a data management system * Conducting regular monitoring and evaluation activities The program's overall goal is to improve access and demand for nutrition services, food and nutrition security, and commodity management support in Kenya. The program will work closely with the Ministry of Health, National Health and Nutrition Unit, Kenya Medical Supplies Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards, and Kenya Nutritionists and Dieticians Institute to achieve its goals.