Nutrition Programme
Comprehensive nutrition services for vulnerable communities in South Sudan — began March 1, 2019.
Introduction
The Healthcare Foundation Organization (HFO) in South Sudan runs a comprehensive Nutrition program. This program, which began on March 1, 2019, focuses on improving access to quality nutrition services for vulnerable communities, particularly in areas with high malnutrition rates and significant needs for Maternal and Infant Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) awareness.
Overall Goal
The ultimate goal of HFO's Nutrition program is to enhance the nutritional status of vulnerable communities by providing knowledge and access to high-quality dietary services, ultimately leading to a better quality of life.
Objectives
- To increase equitable access to quality nutrition services for poor and marginalized communities.
- To improve access to water and sanitation, fostering a healthy environment for improved hygiene.
Target Population
The program primarily targets children under five years of age and pregnant and breastfeeding women (PBW) affected by acute malnutrition, as these groups are most vulnerable due to their increased biological, physical, and physiological needs.
Services Provided
Emergency Nutrition Programs
- Blanket Supplementary Feeding Program (BSFP)
- Targeted Supplementary Feeding Program (TSFP)
- Outpatient Therapeutic Program (OTP)
- Stabilization Centers (SC)
- Maternal Infant and Young Child Nutrition in Emergencies (MIYCN-E)
Preventative Nutrition Services
Aimed at preventing malnutrition and building resilience.
Integrated Approach
The nutrition project is often integrated with existing projects in Health, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), FSL (Food Security and Livelihoods), and Protection, to synergize humanitarian efforts.
Community Engagement & Outreach
HFO promotes a consultative approach, involving affected communities to ensure their inputs on the objectives, activities, locations, and entitlements of the nutrition response. Hard-to-reach areas are covered through outreach services to ensure wider access to nutrition services.
Operational Areas
HFO has a long-term local presence in the following regions:
- Equatoria (Central Equatoria State)
- Upper Nile (Jonglei State — Fangak, Canal/Pigi Counties)
- Unity State (Leer County)
- Upper Nile State (Malakal and Nasir)
- Bahr El Ghazal (Northern Bahr El Ghazal State — Awiel East County)
Staffing
HFO mobilizes qualified nutrition workers from Juba and field locations, and recruits nutrition volunteers from community members with local authority consultation.
Monitoring & Evaluation
The program emphasizes strengthening the nutrition information system for evidence-based responses and ensures adherence to national and regional standards and HFO guidelines.
Programme in Action
CONSOLIDATED BY: KAMOYO HARRIET PATELON
DESIGNATION: NUTRITION PROGRAMME MANAGER