Thanks to Canada’s commitment to development efforts in Afghanistan, Action Against Hunger will continue to ensure improved nutrition, especially among children and young mothers in the country. With support from Global Affairs Canada, the project – Nutrition to Prevent Mother and Child Mortality and Morbidity in Afghanistan – will contribute to reduced malnutrition among almost 38,000 women, men, girls and boys in Ghor, one of the provinces most affected by malnutrition.
The three-year project/nutrition program specifically aims to improve maternal and childhood nutrition by employing a comprehensive approach that combines nutrition, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions. It will improve the delivery of nutrition services and increase knowledge of proper feeding and care practices for newborns and infants through trainings, on-the-job support, information sessions, and media campaigns. Additionally, it will also improve access to safe drinking water for households in need, as well as promote proper sanitation and hygiene practices, among local communities.
The project focuses on achieving two main results:
- Improved quality of nutrition services in targeted health facilities, and nutrition practices in targeted communities, particularly among women;
- Improved water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) practices in targeted communities and health facilities.
Photo: Action Against Hunger Afghanistan.
To ensure that its actions have sustainable long-term impact, Action Against Hunger will work closely with the Ministry of Public Health, and the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development in Afghanistan.
“Action Against Hunger welcomes the generous investment made by the Government of Canada to help address the challenges of malnutrition in Afghanistan”, said Danny Glenwright, Executive Director of Action Against Hunger Canada. “Malnutrition, particularly among children, is one of the biggest challenges facing the health sector in Afghanistan. By addressing health and nutrition in the country through a sustainable approach, we will not only save and improve lives, but will contribute to building strong and resilient individuals, families, communities, and population.”
Project undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada provided through Global Affairs Canada (GAC).