Across East and Southern Africa, the SUN Movement is collaborating with countries to tackle persistently high rates of malnutrition, particularly among women and children.
In Zambia, the success of the First 1,000 Most Critical Days Programme (MCDP) is a testament to the power of a multisectoral and multi-stakeholder approach in tackling childhood stunting and other forms of malnutrition.
In Zambia, the success of the First 1,000 Most Critical Days Programme (MCDP) is a testament to the power of a multisectoral and multi-stakeholder approach in tackling childhood stunting and other forms of malnutrition.
Anglophone Africa: Driving collective action for healthier generations
The SUN Anglophone Africa hub supports 16 English-speaking countries across the continent. Addressing the region’s persistently high rates of malnutrition calls for strong country leadership and collaboration between governments, civil society, businesses, and UN partners to strengthen food systems, deliver essential services, and empower communities to nurture healthier generations.
Mapping malnutrition in the region
Eastern Africa:
137 million people (29% of population) are undernourished
Nearly 2 in 3 people (65.4%) are moderately or severely food insecure
30.6% of children under 5 years are stunted
(Global avg. 22.3%)
31.9% of women of childbearing age are anaemic (Global avg. 29.9%)
*Map showing the SUN Anglophone Africa regional hub. Data above refers to the UN region of Eastern Africa.
The Gambia:
50% of women of reproductive age suffer from anaemia
50% of women of reproductive age suffer from anaemia
Lesotho:
14.4% of babies born with low birthweight
14.4% of babies born with low birthweight
Kenya:
18.5% of children under five years oaffected by wasting
18.5% of children under five years oaffected by wasting
Sierra Leone:
28.4% of the population are undernourished
28.4% of the population are undernourished
Uganda:
32.8% of women of reproductive age suffer from anaemia
32.8% of women of reproductive age suffer from anaemia
Nigeria:
34.2% of children under five years are stunted
34.2% of children under five years are stunted
Factors contributing
to food insecurity and malnutrition:
Rising food and energy costs
Limited access to diverse and nutritious foods
Limited access to healthcare services
Poor sanitation and hygiene practices
Gender inequality
Climate changeincluding droughts
Across the region, women and children under five are
most vulnerable to malnutrition.
most vulnerable to malnutrition.
The SUN Movement is working with its member states across the region to facilitate deeper collaboration between governments, civil society, the private sector, international organisations and donors to drive meaningful change for communities grappling with the causes and consequences of malnutrition.
Country initiatives fuelling progress
Liberia
In Liberia, the SUN Movement has empowered community leaders and civil society groups to drive nutrition improvements through grassroots efforts. The launch of the Liberia Multisectoral Nutrition Costed Strategic Plan (LMNCSP) 2024-2028 marks a significant step, emphasising local food production, social protection, and systemic change. These initiatives are critical for addressing malnutrition and improving nutrition awareness, particularly among women and vulnerable populations.
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Uganda
In Uganda, SUN continues to make significant strides in combating malnutrition through multi-sectoral collaboration. A notable development is the launch of the SUN Business Network (SBN) Uganda Strategy in 2023, which aims to mobilise the private sector to invest in improved business practices contributing to better nutrition. By aligning business operations with national goals, the initiative seeks to address Uganda’s high malnutrition rates, including stunting and anaemia.
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Ghana
In Ghana, the SUN Civil Society Alliance (CSA) has helped mainstream nutrition into district-level planning. With support from the SUN Movement Pooled Fund, the CSA organised learning events and policy dialogues, helping policymakers include nutrition in medium-term plans across 20 high-burden districts. Since 2019, these efforts have led to concrete strategies to tackle malnutrition, including stunting, wasting, anaemia, and maternal health issues. The CSA continues to push for stronger investment and accountability in nutrition policies.
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Case study:
Zambia
32% of children under 5 years affected by stunting
63% of children under 24 months affected by anaemia
64% of infants 0-6 months exclusively breastfed.
Zambia has faced persistently high rates of malnutrition, particularly in the first 1,000 days of life, which is a crucial window for growth and development. For decades, the national prevalence of stunting in children under 5 years has been over 40% on average.
Presenting as low height-for-age, stunting leads to irreversible effects on growth and development, increasing vulnerability to disease and reducing an individual’s long-term potential.
Presenting as low height-for-age, stunting leads to irreversible effects on growth and development, increasing vulnerability to disease and reducing an individual’s long-term potential.
Here’s what’s at stake:
Lifelong consequences
The first 1,000 days of life are critical for brain and body development. Once stunting occurs, the effects are permanent.
Increased health risks
Stunted children face a higher risk of illness, weakened immunity, and increased mortality both in childhood and later in life.
Economic impact
Stunting leads to lower educational outcomes, reduced productivity, and long-term economic losses for families and the nation.
Intergenerational impact
Undernourished mothers are more likely to have low birth-weight babies, continuing the cycle of malnutrition.
Significant gains
Child stunting in Zambia dropped from 40% in 2017 to 32% in 2024, representing an 8% reduction.
Beyond food:
a multisectoral approach to nutrition
The First 1000 Most Critical Days Programme
In response to the country’s high rates of stunting and other forms of malnutrition, the Government of the Republic of Zambia, through its national Scaling up Nutrition (SUN) initiative, implemented the First 1,000 Most Critical Days Programme (MCDP).
This flagship multisectoral programme brings together government ministries, international organisations, private sector actors, civil society, and communities to deliver a range of high-impact nutrition interventions to tackle the root causes of stunting.
The MCDP is guided by the National Food and Nutrition Strategic Plan (NFNSP) 2017-2021 and aims to eliminate all forms of malnutrition across the Zambian population by 2030.
This flagship multisectoral programme brings together government ministries, international organisations, private sector actors, civil society, and communities to deliver a range of high-impact nutrition interventions to tackle the root causes of stunting.
The MCDP is guided by the National Food and Nutrition Strategic Plan (NFNSP) 2017-2021 and aims to eliminate all forms of malnutrition across the Zambian population by 2030.
2010: Zambia joins the SUN Movement
2013: Lanunch of MCDP
Zambia launches the first 1000 Most Critical Days Programme (MCDP 1), its flagship initiative to reduce stunting among children under two.
2013-2017 [2019]: MCDP Phase I
MCDP I focuses on high-impact nutrition interventions including optimal breastfeeding practices, complementary feeding, and micronutrient supplementation during the first 1,000 days.
2020 onwards: MCDP Phase II
MCDP II builds on the progress made in MCDP I, continuing the focus on nutrition interventions to prevent stunting in children under two.
Project Goals
Reduce stunting in children under two by 2025
Contribute to Sustainable Development Goal Target 2.2 on ending malnutrition
Empower communities to combat malnutrition
Enhance data-driven decision-making for nutrition programmes
Working together
to change the nutritional landscape
SUN Movement
The SUN Movement in Zambia drives collaboration and alignment among stakeholders to strengthen nutrition initiatives such as the MCDP II. Its efforts focus on: mobilising resources for adequate financial and technical support, fostering partnerships with organisations across various sectors, building capacity within line ministries and communities, and advocating for policy change and nutrition awareness.
Government of Zambia
The Government of Zambia addresses stunting and malnutrition through MCDP II, aligning it with Vision 2030 and the Seventh National Development Plan (7NDP). The National Food and Nutrition Commission (NFNC) coordinates nutrition programs and leads this effort, supported by a high-level commitment from the Vice President. The programme involves the key line ministries of Health, Agriculture, Local Government, Fisheries and Livestock, Community Development and Social Services, Education, Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection.
Malnutrition is extremely devastating, not only socially, but economically, to the family and to the community and to the nation. That is why malnutrition should not be taken lightly.”
Funding Partners
Funding comes from the government and several key partners including USAID, Irish Aid, the EU, and the World Bank.
The Private Sector
The private sector supports MCDP II through the SUN Business Network (SBN), led by the World Food Programme (WFP) and the National Food and Nutrition Commission (NFNC). It helps build capacity through research, advocacy, workshops, and public relations opportunities. The Good Food logo was developed and disseminated for placement on packaging of food products that meet predefined nutrient criteria, to help consumers make better food purchases.
As a country we have managed to create the Scaling Up Nutrition Business Network. As of 2014, it has more than 130 companies that are coming together to discuss nutrition in the country. And through this process, we have introduced a front-of-pack certification mark called the Good Food Logo, which has been very helpful to people to identify healthy and nutritious foods.”
Civil Society & NGOs
Civil Society and NGOs support the CSO-SUN Alliance, aiding in design, implementation, and monitoring. The Alliance leads advocacy and fosters collaboration among CSOs. Their efforts are key in delivering improved nutrition and mobilising communities for interventions.
Civil society plays a very critical role in the fight against malnutrition. Once civil society holds government accountable for the promises it has [made] to the people, that’s the part of nutrition. We hold government accountable, so meaning we talk with the policymakers as well and we engage ourselves in different platforms.”
United Nations
The UN is a key supporter of nutrition efforts in Zambia through the SUN Movement. The SUN UN Network, including agencies like UNICEF, WFP, and FAO, provides technical support, financial aid, and policy guidance for programmes such as the MCDP II. These agencies work closely with the Zambian government to implement national nutrition strategies. Additionally, UNFPA contributed to the 2024 ZDHS survey, providing essential nutrition data.
Transforming Nutrition:
MCDP’s initiatives for Zambia’s future
The MCDP contributes to several SDGs:
Transforming Zambia’s
nutrition landscape
The MCDP II encompasses a wide range of nutrition-sensitive interventions, from promoting maternal nutrition and exclusive breastfeeding to improving access to clean water, hygiene and sanitation. One of the key areas of focus is addressing food security through climate-smart agricultural practices. This includes peanut butter and healthy snack bars made from honey and sesame.
The power of keyhole gardens in MCDP
One such innovation that has gained traction in Zambia is keyhole gardening. Keyhole gardening is transforming the way Zambian households achieve food security and nutrition. Families are growing crops like carrots, onions, rape, and spinach, using natural manure instead of chemical fertilizers, ensuring safe and nutritious food for children, pregnant women and the entire community
These compact, raised-bed gardens use layers of organic material to retain moisture and enrich the soil, making them ideal for Zambia’s dry season when water is scarce, and soil fertility is low. With the current climate crisis exacerbating droughts and extreme weather conditions, the need for sustainable, resilient farming practices has never been more urgent.
Through the MCDP II programme, communities are adopting keyhole gardening as a way to grow fresh, nutritious food, even in drought-prone areas. By integrating climate-smart techniques, the programme helps households not only improve food security but also build long-term resilience to climate change.
These compact, raised-bed gardens use layers of organic material to retain moisture and enrich the soil, making them ideal for Zambia’s dry season when water is scarce, and soil fertility is low. With the current climate crisis exacerbating droughts and extreme weather conditions, the need for sustainable, resilient farming practices has never been more urgent.
Through the MCDP II programme, communities are adopting keyhole gardening as a way to grow fresh, nutritious food, even in drought-prone areas. By integrating climate-smart techniques, the programme helps households not only improve food security but also build long-term resilience to climate change.
We have learnt how to do keyhole gardening as well as different types of food for healthy bodies. We never knew that what we ate could harm our bodies. But after we were trained we now know that good nutrition should begin with pregnancy… Because without enough food the unborn child's growth will be stunted.”
Good nutrition allows children to perform better in school. It allows them to be more prosperous and to achieve their goals and their dreams and their aspirations.”
Keyhole Gardens
Rotationally growing nutritious vegetables
Nutrient-Rich Crops
Growing iron and vitamin A-rich produce
Biogas Production
Using animal manure for sustainable energy
Sun-dried for every season: preserving nutrition year-round
The initiative also focuses on preserving seasonal vegetables such as pumpkin and cassava leaves, through sun-drying to ensure access to nutritious foods throughout the year. By drying vegetables when they are in abundance, families can maintain a steady supply of essential nutrients even during off-seasons when fresh produce is scarce. This preservation method not only extends the availability of these vegetables but also helps retain their nutritional value, promoting healthier growth, particularly for children.
There are times when these vegetables are scarce because they are seasonal, but when we preserve them we shall have vegetables from January to December.”
Voices of change: Real stories from the community
We were taught how to keep the chickens, how to take care of them... I feel very happy because I have learnt how to take care of my children through the help of the same chickens, sometimes I get eggs and cook for my children so they cannot develop malnutrition. Again, in times when we do not have enough food, we sell some chickens and use the money to buy some food.”
Before we started most of us never knew that you can mix vegetables or groundnuts in a child’s porridge. We are therefore very happy because as we are teaching others what we have learnt, our lives are changing every day. At the moment we are not frequenting the clinic as compared to the past. Our livelihoods are improving, sicknesses are minimal because of our improved nutrition.”
Proven impact
Districts supported with interventions under MCDP II
Under MCDP Phase II, the Government of Zambia (GRZ) is building on national momentum around stunting reduction in 42 high priority districts, 17 of which will be administered by the United Nations. Other Scaling Up Nutrition partners supporting MCDP II are: USAID in 13 districts through SUN TA, the Federal Republic of Germany in 6 districts through GIZ’s Food and Nutrition Security, Enhanced Resilience (FANSER) programme, UK aid in 3 districts through SNV (Scaling Up Sustainable Nutrition for All (SN4A) programme and 3 World Food Programme supported districts.
Health & nutrition
Stunting reduced by 8% since 2017
387,035 women
Referred to health facilities for Antenatal, Postnatal and Family Planning services (132% of project target)
Referred to health facilities for Antenatal, Postnatal and Family Planning services (132% of project target)
1,538,003 children
Aged 0-23 months benefitting from Growth Monitoring and Promotion services
Aged 0-23 months benefitting from Growth Monitoring and Promotion services
302,484 thousand-days
Of nutrition & health education provided to households
Of nutrition & health education provided to households
Farming & Food security
149,639
households
Growing nutrient-dense food crops
households
Growing nutrient-dense food crops
421 SUN Centres of Excellence
Provide training and best practices for farmers in crop diversification, quality, and post-harvest management
Provide training and best practices for farmers in crop diversification, quality, and post-harvest management
Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH)
656,516 people
Gained access to basic sanitation (target: 1,000,000)
Gained access to basic sanitation (target: 1,000,000)
683,245 people
Reached with hygiene promotion messages
Reached with hygiene promotion messages
534 individuals
Trained in latrine construction
Trained in latrine construction
844 well
Drilled or rehabilitated, providing 315,750 people with water access
Drilled or rehabilitated, providing 315,750 people with water access
Community Education & Awareness
1,520 radio spots
Broadcasted in eight official languages
Broadcasted in eight official languages
Multi-sectoral nutrition
Information system rolled out in all 17 districts
Information system rolled out in all 17 districts
SBCC toolkit
Disseminated across 17 districts
Disseminated across 17 districts
Financial Inclusion & Economic Empowerment
28,793 women
Of reproductive age actively participating in savings groups
Of reproductive age actively participating in savings groups
12,904 households
Supported with cash transfers (four payment cycles completed)
Supported with cash transfers (four payment cycles completed)
2,573 groups
Linked to financial institutions
Linked to financial institutions
236 groups
Linked to the Constituency Development Fund
Linked to the Constituency Development Fund
839 groups
Linked to Micro-Finance Institutions
Linked to Micro-Finance Institutions
Together
for nutrition
The MCDP II programme brings everybody to work towards the same goal. So it is very successful because there is government leadership from the highest level, there is also buy-in from all partners. Just embracing the values and the mission of SUN Movement is helping us to make progress.”
Maybe for too long we thought, this is a small matter. This is huge at the end of the day it affects the general development of our nations. And therefore let us work together, let us pool resources together, let us pool expertise together, to tackle malnutrition.”
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