Government of Uganda on Board in Scaling up Integrated Nutrition through Strategic Partnerships

[UNICEF] KAMPALA – The Government of Uganda, in partnership with the United States Government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the European Union (EU) Delegation today marks an important milestone in advancing food and nutrition security in Uganda through the launch of the multi- sectoral nutrition programmes in South Western region to be held on 23rd February, 2013 in Kabale district. The launch of this partnership is expected to benefit over 700,000 people in the districts of Ibanda, Kabale, Kanungu, Kisoro, and Ntungamo.

The global SUN (Scaling Up Nutrition) Movement, calls for action and investment to improve maternal and child nutrition. The Government of Uganda committed itself to the SUN principles, a commitment that culminated in the development of the Uganda Nutrition Action Plan (UNAP), 2011-2016, that outlines Government’s commitment to fulfilling its obligation of ensuring food and nutrition security for all Ugandans, and especially those living in areas reported to have the highest levels of malnutrition. It is the responsibility of the Office of the Prime Minister to oversee and coordinate the implementation of the UNAP which was also adopted as the country’s’ strategy for the scaling up nutrition.

According to Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda, UNAP is well aligned with the principles guiding the SUN Movement and aims to reduce the magnitude of malnutrition in Uganda and its impact on the individual, household, community and the nation at large. “Working with our range of Development Partners will stimulate our nation toward the achievement of acceptable levels of nutrition security, especially for women of reproductive age, infants, young children and other vulnerable groups,” explains the Rt. Hon. Mbabazi.

The Office of the Prime Minister considers the launch of the SUN initiatives in the South Western region which has been found deficient of some nutrients, according to the UDHS 2011, a very important step in scaling up nutrition in the country. . “As we coordinate the implementation of the UNAP, we are ready to engage in effective collaboration and partnerships with all the relevant stakeholders and partners in the spirit of the multi-sectoral approach” assures the Permanent Secretary and SUN Focal Person for Uganda, Mr. Pius Bigirimana.

The United States Government, through five USAID-funded projects in South Western Uganda, aims to empower community groups with the knowledge, technologies and tools needed to sustainably improve their livelihoods, food security and nutritional outcomes; and to strengthen health systems to address the treatment and prevention of malnutrition within facilities and communities.

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