Adding micronutrient powders to an integrated food security and nutrition project to further reduce malnutrition
Nepal
Project Summary
Helen Keller International-Nepal and partners will undertake a sub-study within the USAID-funded Action Against Malnutrition through Agriculture (AAMA) project in Nepal to test whether providing micronutrient powders (MNPs) along with a Homestead Food Production (HFP) and intensive community-level intervention using behavior change communication for infant and young child feeding (IYCF-BCC) will have a greater impact on growth and reduction of anemia in young children than providing the HFP and IYCF-BCC intervention without micronutrient powders.
Collaborating Institutions
Helen Keller International (HKI) has been implementing innovative health and nutrition programs to improve the nutritional status and food security situation of families in Nepal since 1989 and is the prime implementer of the AAMA project.
United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has provided the core funding for the Action Against Malnutrition through Agriculture (AAMA) project through the Child Survival and Health Grants Program.
Micronutrient Initiative in Nepal is providing support for MNP procurement and program evaluation.
Nepal Technical Assistance Group (NTAG) is a non-governmental organization that provides technical support to the Ministry of Health and Population and a number of international and national organizations to create programs that improve the health of Nepali families. NTAG is HKI’s national partner for the AAMA project with a focus on nutrition and BCC components of the project.
Snehi Mahila Jagaron Kendra (SMJK) is a non-government organization based in Baitadi district in the Far Western Region (FWR) of Nepal. It has been active in the development sector since 1993 and is HKI’s local implementation partner in the intervention district.
Principal Investigators
Pooja Pandey Rana, MPH, Helen Keller International – Nepal
David Spiro, Helen Keller International – Nepal
Dr. Akoto Osei, Ph.D., Helen Keller International – Asia Pacific Regional Office