Support of Lifesaving Nutrition Prevention and Treatment Services in Somaliland

Support of Lifesaving Nutrition Prevention and Treatment Services in Somaliland

Project Overview

Target Population: Children under five with acute malnutrition and pregnant and lactating women.

Location: Hargeisa and Gabiley districts, Somaliland.

Duration: July 2023 to December 2024.

Donor / Partner: WHH/BMZ (the profile donor field lists WHH).

Primary Goal: Prevent and treat acute malnutrition among young children and pregnant and lactating women through facility-based services, counseling, supplementation, and referral.

Rationale & Context

With WHH/BMZ funding, ACRIF completed an 18-month emergency nutrition project in Hargeisa and Gabiley. Children with severe acute malnutrition without medical complications were treated through OTP services, while complicated cases were referred for inpatient care. Women also received counseling on infant nutrition and vegetable cultivation.

Key Project Components

  1. Screening and SAM Treatment
  • Screen children aged 6-59 months for malnutrition.
  • Treat uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition through OTP services.
  • Refer complicated SAM cases for inpatient care.
  1. Micronutrients and Deworming
  • Provide Vitamin A to eligible children.
  • Provide micronutrient supplementation to pregnant and lactating women.
  • Treat eligible children for intestinal worms.
  1. MIYCN and Household Nutrition Counseling
  • Provide MIYCN counseling to pregnant and lactating women.
  • Provide counseling on infant nutrition and vegetable cultivation.

Expected Outcomes

  • Children with acute malnutrition are identified and treated earlier.
  • Complicated cases are linked to inpatient care.
  • Pregnant and lactating women receive micronutrient and MIYCN support.
  • Households gain practical nutrition knowledge linked to infant feeding and food production.

Project Impact

20 primary schools received basic education, hygiene, and sports kits.

220 school principals and focal teachers were oriented on Child Rights Governance objectives, strengthening their role in supporting child participation in school governance.

14,805 boys and girls in primary schools were trained on Child-Centered Disaster Risk Reduction.