Nutrition situation
Under five stunting (%)
31.1
Under five overweight (%)
10.6
Anaemia in women 15-49 years (%)
29.3
Under five wasting (%)
11.2
Low birth weight (%)
23.7
0 to 5-month-old exclusive breastfeeding (%)
11.4
Adolescent overweight (%)
Male: 6.8
/ Female: 16.3
Adult overweight (%)
Male: 18.2
/ Female: 35.7
Adult obesity (%)
Male: 3.3
/ Female: 12.2
Adult diabetes (%)
Male: 7.9
/ Female: 8
COVID-19 snapshot
The COVID-19 pandemic has not strictly speaking become a health crisis (only 7 deaths and 537 reported cases). Thanks to the efforts of the platform stakeholders, there has been a real political commitment to prioritising nutrition in the national plan to address COVID-19.
Institutional transformations 2019-2020
Bringing people together into a shared space for action
Although the multi-stakeholder platform does not officially exist due to a lack of signatures, meetings are organised regularly under the aegis of the Directorate of Family Health and bring together the various stakeholders based on need (project development, document validations, intervention planning, implementation of activities and monitoring).Ensuring a coherent policy and legal framework
The Comorian food guide has been validated and circulated. An analysis of policies and the maternal nutrition strategy has been conducted. The implementation of specific nutrition actions has been strengthened (Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative, maternal nutrition in health facilities).Aligning actions around common results
A multisectoral action plan for 2019–2021 has been drawn up with the effective participation of stakeholders from the ministries concerned, partners and civil society. The implementation of the action plan is regularly evaluated. Monthly meetings are organised in the regional offices. The continuity of nutrition services has been ensured through innovative solutions in the community in response to the low health service attendance identified. The main challenge ahead: the nonapplication of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes – steps should be taken to seek advocacy.Financial tracking and resource mobilisation
Registers have been prepared for severe acute malnutrition case management. Nutritional inputs and anthropometric equipment is being supplied. Funding for nutrition activities is being provided by technical and financial partners (World Health Organization, United Nations Childrens’ Fund/Japan International Cooperation Organization, Food and Agricutural Organization, International Fund for Agricultural Development, African Development Bank).Main challenges ahead: the non-existence of a budget line dedicated to nutrition and the absence of a multi-stakeholder platform – continued advocacy for these two essential matters will be needed.
2020-2021 Priorities
- Emphasise maternal nutrition.
- Map interventions.
- Strengthen community-based nutrition.
- Ensure case management of moderate acute malnutrition.
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