Health and malnutrition

Undernutrition is a contributing cause of up to 60 percent of deaths among children under 5 years of age. We are working toward healthier mothers, babies and families by addressing nutritional needs at each stage of a person’s life.

The first 1,000 days as a window of opportunity

Good nutrition during the first 1,000-days — from pregnancy to 2 years of age — has a powerful impact on a child’s ability not only to survive, but also to grow, learn and thrive. By using data to strengthen and inform advocacy, interpersonal communication and mass media efforts, FHI 360’s Alive & Thrive project is improving the health and nutrition of children to help them reach their full developmental potential. In just four years, the project demonstrated that large-scale improvements in child feeding practices are possible.

Exclusive breastfeeding (no water, liquids or food for the first six months) rose from 49 to 88 percent in Bangladesh in Alive & Thrive intervention areas.
Minimum meal frequency increased from 46 to 70 percent in Ethiopia in Alive & Thrive intervention areas, despite food insecurity.
Exclusive breastfeeding nearly tripled in Vietnam as a result of high-quality interpersonal counseling services in government health facilities and a mass media campaign.

Integrating nutrition and agriculture in Uganda

In 15 districts in Uganda’s north and southwestern regions, we are working with government, farmers, private-sector entities, community groups and networks of people living with or affected by HIV to identify and address the interconnected factors that drive food security and undernutrition. With a special focus on women as household decisionmakers, the Uganda Community Connector project supports women and their families to improve nutrition and hygiene; links them to microfinance, health and family planning services; introduces technologies that improve food productivity; and addresses the dynamics between men and women in the use and distribution of resources.

Policy change at scale

Sustainable Development Goal 2 calls on countries to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. Through our FANTA III project, FHI 360 is supporting governments to identify sound nutrition policies and guidelines, integrate nutrition into health care services and perform innovative research. In 2015, FHI 360 experts with FANTA III were among the wide range of experts and stakeholders consulted to develop priority nutrition indicators that efficiently and comprehensively measure progress toward this goal.

Integrating gender, nutrition, livelihoods and food security to address malnutrition and poverty in Ugandan households (Produced by USAID)