Challenges and Opportunities to Translate Global SUN Momentum into Action in Rural Mozambique

Abstract

Objectives: Globally, the SUN movement has contributed to increased discussion, commitment, and momentum around reducing malnutrition. There is, however, limited evidence on how to shape and sustain an enabling environment to scale up nutrition interventions. The objective was to document the challenges and opportunities to translate global SUN momentum into action to fight malnutrition in rural Mozambique. Methods: We systematically documented the processes involved in developing a stunting prevention program by the government of Mozambique and supported by the World Food Programme (WFP).  We also interviewed WFP staff and other stakeholders to document challenges and opportunities for more effectively supporting an enabling environment for large-scale stunting prevention programming. Results: Commitment to establishing stunting prevention programing required sensitization of national stakeholders to the individual and collective damage caused by stunting and the effectiveness of response options. Credible scientific data and technical expertise were paramount. A general national nutrition strategy was a prerequisite for designing stunting-specific programing. SUN movement advocacy facilitated governmental and stakeholder engagement and assisted in the local-level prioritization of stunting prevention programing.  Stakeholders were more amenable to support program development when it aligned with the SUN movement. Nonetheless, different stakeholders needed and wanted different information and audience-specific communicationwas critical; as was addressing sustainability from the initiation of design development process. Conclusions: The SUN movement facilitated the initiation of large scale stunting prevention programing in Mozambique.  However, generating local ownership through use of local evidence, and expertise, and addressing local needs such as sustainability were critical.