Nutrition
Led by: Social Welfare Department
in collaboration with MECDM
Addressing malnutrition through comprehensive district-level planning, community-led SNP decentralization, and strategic partnerships to transform nutrition outcomes across Meghalaya.
Nutrition Crisis in Meghalaya
Meghalaya faces a critical nutrition challenge with stunting rates (46.5%) significantly higher than the national average (35.5%), comparable to countries like Burundi (54%) and Madagascar (48%). This requires urgent, comprehensive interventions across all districts and communities.
Our integrated approach combines district-level strategic planning through IFPRI partnership, community-led supplementary nutrition program decentralization, and healthcare worker strengthening. We work across all 11 districts to ensure culturally appropriate, evidence-based nutrition solutions.
Key Interventions:
- District Nutrition Leadership Programme with IFPRI
- SNP Decentralization: Community-led VHC and VO models
- MIYCN Strengthening with IIT Bombay
- District-wise food mapping and context-specific planning
NFHS-5 Nutrition Data (2019-20)
Stunting (Under 5)
46.5%
vs 35.5% national
Anaemia (6-59 months)
58.1%
Critical intervention need
Wasting
12.1%
vs 19.3% national
Underweight
29.0%
vs 32.1% national
Strategic Initiatives
Our nutrition interventions combine district-level strategic planning, community-led program implementation, and healthcare worker strengthening across all 11 districts.
SNP Decentralization Pilot
Transformative shift from centralized to community-led nutrition delivery across 20 AWCs in 2 ICDS project areas, demonstrating a dual governance model of VHC-led and VO-led approaches.
20 AWCs across Khatarshnong Laitkroh (10 AWCs, VHC-led) and Samanda (10 AWCs, VO-led)
1,900+ beneficiaries (1,200 Laitkroh + 700 Samanda)
125+ participants trained (VHC/VO members, AWWs, AWHs, supervisors)
9 metric tonnes fortified rice allocated for 3 months
Food safety training and certification completed
District Nutrition Leadership Programme (DNLP) with IFPRI
Comprehensive district-level leadership and planning with IFPRI, creating actionable nutrition strategies across all 11 districts of Meghalaya.
80+ district and block officials trained (August 2024)
District Action Plans created for all 11 districts
District Nutrition Profiles developed by IFPRI for each district
Training on 'Setting the Context' and 'Understanding Malnutrition and What Works'
East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, East Garo Hills, North Garo Hills, and more
MIYCN Strengthening with IIT Bombay
Skill building and healthcare worker strengthening through Health Spoken Tutorial (HST) initiative, with face-to-face training and skill verification.
Health Spoken Tutorial (HST) for skill development
Healthcare worker training and capacity building
Face-to-face training sessions with skill verification
Partnership since July 2024
Strengthening Maternal, Infant, and Young Child Nutrition practices
District-wise Food Mapping & Surveys
Context-specific, culturally appropriate nutrition planning through identification of CGHAs and comprehensive district-level nutrition assessments.
District factsheets available for 8 districts (2-page and print versions)
State-level factsheet for Meghalaya available
Identification of Community Groups for Health Activities (CGHAs)
Free listing of local foods and traditional recipes
NFHS-5 data analysis and integration
Partners Involved
Collaborating with academic, research, and regulatory partners to ensure evidence-based, safe, and effective nutrition programs.
IFPRI (International Food Policy Research Institute)
District Nutrition Planning & Research
Leading the District Nutrition Leadership Programme, creating District Action Plans and Nutrition Profiles for all 11 districts of Meghalaya with strategic analysis.
IIT Bombay
MIYCN Strengthening & Skill Development
Implementing Health Spoken Tutorial (HST) initiatives and healthcare worker training with face-to-face skill verification and capacity building.
St. Mary's College
Research & Academic Partnership
Supporting nutrition research, dietary assessments, and evidence-based program design for improved interventions.
Social Welfare Department (Lead)
Program Implementation & Governance
Leading all nutrition interventions in collaboration with MECDM, ensuring coordination across districts and communities.
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