Attachments
Highlights
• Zero Hunger technical thematic group consulations were held from 17 to 19 October 2017.
• The first monthly distribution exercise commenced for targeted and blanket supplementary feeding.
• On World Food Day 2017, WFP provided stitching machines and weighing scales to thirteen smallholder farmer associations.
Operational Updates
• In partnership with the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), Gambia Red Cross Society (GRCS), National Nutrition Agency (NaNA) and Ministry of Health, WFP concluded the screening exercise on malnutrition for children 6 to 59 months. The screening exercise was conducted in four regions with high prevalence of malnutrition under EU funded envelope B.
The first monthly distribution exercise commenced in the four regions. The aim of the food distribution is to provide targeted supplementary feeding to children 6 to 59 months who are found to be malnourished as well as blanket supplementary feeding in addition to breast milk for children 6 to 23 months whose nutritional status are found to be normal as a preventive measure.
• In October, the country office received Regional Bureau Nutrition unit assistance to support the country office team in developing a roadmap for Envelop B on food fortification, orienting new staff on WFP nutrition policy, reviewing work plan and providing technical advice.
• The second fiscal space mission took place from 3 to 6 October 2017. The four programmes being modelled are: youth empowerment, school meals, pensions programme and maternal and child health. Meetings were held with the main stakeholders. The next mission will take place in November for validation and submission of the final report.
• On World Food Day 2017, WFP provided stitching machines and weighing scales to 13 smallholder farmer associations that have been supporting the home-grown school meals programme and supplying local commodities since 2014.
• With funding from the Government of Japan, 60 mt of locally grown beans was purchased from smallholder farmers. These commodities will be used in the home-grown school meals programme.
Following last month’s country-wide consultations, the research team for the Zero Hunger Strategic Review (ZHSR) held technical thematic group consultations from 17 to 19 October 2017. Participants comprised of members of government institutions, NGOs, civil society groups and the private sector. The first draft report is scheduled to be reviewed by a technical team followed by a validation workshop by the Advisory Board chaired by the Vice President. ZHSR final report is scheduled to be officially launched by the Vice President during the second week of December 2017