Comoros

There were four major developments in 2021: the creation of a national protocol for treating malnutrition; the Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit; the United Nations Food Systems Summit; and the translation of the dietary guidelines. High-level commitments for 2022 were also made at the N4G Summit, and agricultural activities that contribute to nutrition were strengthened through the International Fund for Agricultural Development. Some activities in the multisectoral action plan do not have secured funding. In 2022, the mapping of nutrition stakeholders will be prioritized to address the lack of coordination among key stakeholders.

Support from the SUN Movement through the Technical Assistance to Strengthen Capabilities (TASC) project helped improve the evaluation of the multisectoral action plan. Emphasis was also placed on capacity-building for providers in maternal nutrition and on supplying facilities with iron and folic acid, which pregnant women received at antenatal consultations. Anthropometric measuring equipment and supplies have been purchased and are ready to be distributed at the local level. A media event on breastfeeding (Breastfeeding Week) was also organized with support from the United Nations and the African Union Development Agency New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD).

Although a coordination mechanism exists that enables key nutrition stakeholders to be brought together as required, it is unofficial and operates at the request of the nutrition team. Efforts must be made to strengthen the institutional framework for nutrition. The Government covers staff salaries and is helping to establish a nutrition unit within the Department of Family Health. Annual meetings are held with stakeholders and provide an opportunity to review the progress achieved. As the multisectoral platform is unofficial, expenditure is tracked through financial and activity reports that are shared with the Government and partners.