African Regional Nutrition Strategy (ARNS, 2015 – 2025) Akoto Osei Nutrition Specialist, DSA/AUC
Acknowledgments African Union Commission UNICEF The African Task Force on Food and Nutrition Development (ATFFND) European Union Consultant – Bjorn Ljungqvist
The revised nutrition policy was launched by the AU Nutrition Champion, on July 13th, 2015 in Ethiopia.
What motivated the revision? Expiration of the initial policy ARNS was first developed in 2005, for the period 2005 – 2015 The revised ARNS is for the period 2015 – 2025
What motivated the revision? Persistently high rates of malnutrition
What motivated the revision? Some paradigm shifts in the approach to nutrition security Renewed focus on improving nutritional status of women and children below 2 years Recognition of nutrition as a national development issue New policies and commitments
Targets to be achieved by 2025 stunting among children by 40% child wasting to less than 5% low birth weight by 30% exclusive breast-feeding by 50% anaemia in women of child-bearing age by 50% increase of overweight in children and women
Strategic outcome areas Strategic outcome 1: Guide the development of policies and frameworks for adoption by AU Member State Scale-up both direct and indirect nutrition interventions Ensure multi-sectoral approach to nutrition
Strategic outcome areas Strategic outcome 2: Facilitates consensus, “One voice” on nutrition Facilitate collaboration within and among sectors and agencies Facilitate evidence generation and sharing of lessons
Strategic outcome areas Strategic outcome 3: Advocate and promote implementation of the ARNS from 2016-2025 Advocacy to sustain commitment and increase resources for nutrition Facilitate alignment of nutrition policies
Strategic outcome areas Strategic outcome 4: Establish decision-making architecture on implementation of the revised nutrition strategy Ensuring capacity and skills exist Enhance accountability
Other key element in the strategy Implement strategies to address the double burden of malnutrition
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