Senegal: Preventing and managing child malnutrition in highly vulnerable regions

The Joint Programme general objective is to reduce and maintain the under 5 acute malnutrition rates less than 10%. The programme includes two main components. The first component will improve at the national level malnutrition prevention through the promotion of better feeding practices based on local foodstuffs for children aged 0-5.

These interventions will be completed by the provision of micronutrients, deparasiting treatments for children and by a monitoring and early warning system. The second component aims to mitigate the impact of the recent food price increase and reduced agricultural production and reduce malnutrition in the 5 most affected regions (Tambacounda, Kolda, Diourbel, Matam and Louga). These interventions will be complemented by the promotion of a healthy environment in pre- and elementary schools that is conducive to learning. The programme will be based on three strategies: capacities building of national and local structures for strengthening monitoring and coordination; communication and advocacy for behavioural changes and access to adequate dietary alimentation for children in primary school.