Mothers with under five children focus group discussion during basline exercise

Grow ENRICH Global Programme

Improving policy framework and status of maternal and child health and nutrition in East Africa

The Grow ENRICH (Enhancing Nutrition Services to Improve Maternal and Child Health) project builds on the ENRICH project and addresses malnutrition in East Africa. The project aims to create an enabling policy and structural environment that leads to the improved health and nutrition status of boys, girls, women, and men, while tackling the root causes of malnutrition and gender inequality in Kenya, Tanzania, and Somalia.

Interventions are structured across three levels. At the micro level, the project implements direct health and nutrition interventions within households and communities, utilising strategies such as Adolescent Girl Power Groups and Positive Deviance Hearth Training to promote behavior change and enhance nutritional knowledge.

The meso level focuses on enhancing the capacity of healthcare providers and community health volunteers to deliver quality, gender-responsive services while strengthening community health committees to encourage women's participation and leadership.

At the macro level, the project engages in evidence-based advocacy and policy dialogue to create supportive environments for improved reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH) and nutrition, collaborating with civil society organisations and government entities to influence policy frameworks. This comprehensive approach aims to improve access to safe food and health services while empowering women and girls in the region.

34.5%

of children under 5 years in East Africa are affected by stunting, making it the region with the highest rates globally. Africa is the only continent where the number of stunted children has increased (FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP, and WHO, 2020)