Sudan step up efforts with health partners to fight against child malnutrition

The World Health Organization (WHO), Sudan Federal Ministry Of Health, and Italy launched the project of defining and implementing effective nutrition counselling and practices at primary health care level to reduce stunting and wasting in Sudan.

The project will be implemented by WHO in partnership with the FMOH through the generous contribution of €1,5 million euros granted to nutrition in Sudan by the Government of Italy.

“Italy is committed to strengthening the health care system and to fighting malnutrition in Sudan. Our Country is currently implementing - through AICS – a number of projects in the Health Sector equivalent to 62% of the total budget allocated to Sudan”, stated the Italian Ambassador. “As Donor Convener for the UN SUN Movement since 2017, we must explore new ways to embed nutrition in all relevant sectors ranging from health, to water and sanitation, education and social protection systems”. He added as well that improving health awareness and knowledge is just one, albeit crucial, step to start fighting malnutrition.

‘The road to nutrition isn’t straightforward, and there are many interconnected factors aside from food supply that must be addressed — including linking livelihood opportunities, engaging community members and education in a wider understanding of nutrition interventions”, concluded the Ambassador.

“The Federal Ministry of Health thank Italy and WHO for their continuous engagement in ensuring that children in Sudan, without exception, have access to nutritious, safe, affordable and sustainable foods,” said Dr.  Akram Ali Altoum, Federal Minister of Health in Sudan. “We again stress that the fight against malnutrition is one of the main missions of the Government of Sudan,” Dr.  Altoum concluded.

“WHO would like to acknowledge with appreciation the excellent and long-standing relationship with the Italian Government and in particular the efforts in the most vulnerable areas of Gedaref, Red Sea State, Khartoum and Kassala states,” said Dr Naeema Al Gasser, WHO Representative in Sudan and Head of Mission. “Sudan can overcome the nutrition gap by boosting agricultural production, community empowerment with particular attention to vulnerable groups, and by developing comprehensive national food composition tables with more focus on the traditional food to improve appropriate nutritional counselling messages,” Dr.  Al Gasseer explained.

Picture in the front made by Laura Salvinelli