Year IV Quarterly Progress Report (Quarter I): Empowering New Generations to Improve Nutrition and Economic Opportunities

The project focuses on strengthening the capacity of institutions to deliver nutrition programs and policies, improving the quality and delivery of nutrition and healthcare services, and enhancing prevention of under-nutrition through community-based nutrition care and practices. In the first quarter of 2015, the ENGINE project made significant progress in strengthening the policy environment for nutrition. The project worked with the Federal Ministry of Health to develop a national nutrition policy, which was approved by the government. Additionally, the project supported the development of a nutrition training manual for health extension workers, which was disseminated to all regions in Ethiopia. The project also made progress in improving the quality of nutrition services. A total of 15 health facilities were supported to establish nutrition corners, where health workers provided nutrition counseling and support to pregnant and lactating women, and children under the age of five. The project also conducted training for health extension workers on effective teaching skills, which resulted in improved knowledge and skills among health workers. In terms of community-based nutrition care and practices, the project supported the establishment of 20 community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) programs in 10 woredas. The project also conducted training for community change agents on maternal, infant, and young child feeding practices, which resulted in improved knowledge and practices among community members. The ENGINE project also made progress in improving access to health and nutrition services. A total of 10 health facilities were supported to establish outpatient therapeutic programs (OTPs) for the treatment of severe acute malnutrition. The project also conducted training for health workers on the management of severe acute malnutrition, which resulted in improved knowledge and skills among health workers. In addition to these achievements, the project also made progress in research and documentation. A research strategy was developed to guide the project's research activities, and a documentation and dissemination strategy was developed to share project findings and best practices with stakeholders. The ENGINE project faces several challenges and constraints, including limited resources and capacity constraints. However, the project has developed plans to overcome these challenges, including seeking additional funding and technical assistance from USAID and other partners. Overall, the ENGINE project has made significant progress in its first quarter of 2015, and is well-positioned to achieve its goals and objectives in the coming year. The project's focus on strengthening institutions, improving the quality of nutrition services, and enhancing prevention of under-nutrition through community-based nutrition care and practices is critical to achieving the project's overall goal of empowering new generations to improve nutrition and economic opportunities in Ethiopia.