Where

South Sudan

Why

In vulnerable communities, improve infant and young child feeding practices and management of severe acute malnutrition in children under five.

Funded by

UNICEF

When

2016–2018

What

Since 2015, market disruption, economic downturn, insecurity, and localized crop failures have made food insecurity a fact of life in the Greater Equatoria region. Malnutrition is a tragic result.

This project, implemented in Ezo, Nzara, Mvolo, and Yambio counties, has treated hundreds of children under five suffering from severe acute malnutrition. Community volunteers screened local boys and girls and referred those affected to outpatient therapeutic programs. The project also sought to improve mothers’ knowledge of healthful and practical infant and young child feeding as well as of micronutrient supplementation, deworming, and hygiene practices among the community and in local health facilities.