Gambie

In 2021, substantial work was carried out to finalize the costed Multisectoral National Nutrition Action Plan. Regional and national dialogues on the country’s food systems were convened, resulting in the formulation of commitments for their improvement. Similarly, national commitments developed by the MSP were submitted and presented at the Tokyo Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit. High-level participation at the launch of the World Breastfeeding Week and the participation of the chair of the National Assembly Select Committee on Health during a nutrition coordination meeting for food fortification are some examples of stakeholders’ alignment with nutrition country priorities.

Members of the country’s SUN Business Network received training on basic nutrition, food processing techniques and food safety to increase their capacity and understanding of their role in tackling malnutrition. Training was also provided to stakeholders at both the national and regional levels on nutrition tools to strengthen nutrition knowledge at different levels. Erratic rainfall patterns have affected crop production and exacerbated food insecurity at the national and household levels.

The National Nutrition Agency was established by the Government and is mandated by law to coordinate all nutrition-related interventions in the country. It is placed under the Office of the Vice-President to give it a high status and ensure that it has coordination functions and convening power. Relevant stakeholders are involved in coordinating nutrition programmes through NTAC meetings, the Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition Technical Working Group and the Micronutrient Technical Working Group, among others, which strengthens mutual accountability and aligns resources. The inclusion of the SUN Academia Network into the NTAC is expected in the coming year.