Empowering Somaliland’s healthier future through innovative nutrition-sensitive action plans

ACRIF, in collaboration with the SUN Secretariat office and Welthungerhilfe, organized a consultative meeting to develop an action plan that encompasses nutrition-sensitive and nutrition-specific strategies for the education, agriculture, and livestock sectors. The primary goal is to combat malnutrition by seamlessly integrating nutritional considerations into various sectors. By harnessing the collective efforts of health, agriculture, livestock, fishery, WASH, education, trade, employment, social protection, planning, finance, and gender, the action plan strives for a comprehensive approach to enhance nutrition, food security, and food safety.

Involving multiple sectors is strategic in addressing the root causes of diet-related noncommunicable diseases, extending beyond the realm of healthcare. For instance, agriculture and livestock sectors play a role in promoting nutritious foods, while WASH initiatives contribute to food safety through improved water and sanitation. Education and employment sectors raise awareness and facilitate access to nutritious foods, and social protection measures ensure vulnerable populations have sufficient resources for healthy eating.

In essence, the development of a nutrition-sensitive action plan recognizes the intricate nature of nutrition-related challenges, emphasizing the importance of a coordinated, multisectoral approach to effectively address them.