Nutrition mission in Mali helps define civil society advocacy plans and establishes 3 regional alliances

From 16 through to 30 September 2014, Malian Civil Society Organisation (CSO) OMAES and its technical partners ASDAP and Helen Keller International (HKI) undertook a mission to support and monitor nutrition activities in three regions – Kayes, Sikasso and Segou.

The goals of the mission were to review the implementation of nutrition activities and regional alliance advocacy efforts, to establish regional civil society alliances for the SUN movement and to develop an advocacy plan for strengthening regional nutrition activities.

A series of working sessions with the SUN Focal Point and CSO representatives were held as were meetings with Governors and Regional Directors of Health and Nutrition, in order to take stock of the activities and prepare for the workshop.

During the workshops, the Alliance recognised the need to strengthen advocacy efforts and increase its visibility. Key efforts will also be focused on advocacy with the authorities and leaders on     strengthening the emphasis on nutrition in the Plan de Dévelopment Economique, Social et Culturel (PDSEC) and relevant sector programs as well as a focus on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, complementary foods and dietary diversity.

Read the report here.