The US Government launched a US$24 million project “Transform Nutrition” in Nampula in December 2019, implemented by ADPP Mozambique with collaborating partners, h2n Association, Lúrio University (UniLúrio), Viamo and the Global Alliance for Nutrition Improvement (GAIN).
The project aims to reduce childhood stunting rates and improve the nutritional status of pregnant and lactating women, adolescent girls and children under the age of two. Implementation will be in 12 districts of Nampula province over the next five years. Research by UNICEF Mozambique shows that Nampula Province has a stunting rate of 55% in children under 5, a rate 12% higher than the national average. In addition, 51% of teenage girls in the province are anemic. These malnutrition statistics have complex causes among them low-calorie, micronutrient and protein diets; gender inequality in access to nutritious food; misconceptions about nutritious diets and poor hygiene and sanitation.
“By tackling the problem of malnutrition from every angle - individual knowledge, community, market resources and government capacity at all levels - these projects not only help Mozambicans in Nampula, but also provide the Government of Mozambique with a model for improving health across the nationwide,” said Monique Mosolf, Director of the USAID Health Office.
In launching this project, Governor Victor Borges, believes that the estimated malnutrition rate of over 47% could reduce through changed attitudes. Aboobacar Covela, Project Director, said: "Some foods are more nutritious than others, and we want to see people growing healthy and nutritious foods in their gardens." Transform Nutrition will use community radio and video to support changing norms, behaviors and practices around nutrition, hygiene and sanitation, and will develop model gardens with a good mix of nutritious foods.”
On this occasion, the “Promoting Nutrition” project was also launched. Jointly these projects will benefit about 550,000 Mozambicans - a critical component of the US Mission's assistance program in Mozambique.
The US Government provides more than US$ 500 million assistance to Mozambique annually to improve quality of education, health, economic growth and overall national development.
Read more about the Nutrition project on ADPP Mozambique website
