SOMALI NUTRITION STRATEGY 2011 – 2013 - ReliefWeb

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feasible in the Somali context where the volatile environment, low access, weak infrastructure
and legislative framework are major constraints. Therefore, the strategy aims to prioritise and
adapt what is proven effective, with what is viable in the context.
Finally, mindful of the importance of using limited resources to greatest efficiency, the strategy
focuses on investing in the areas most likely to achieve maximum impact. As such, interventions
are targeted at pregnant mothers and children up to the age of two years as the critical window
of opportunity for reducing undernutrition and its adverse effects. (Lancet series on Maternal
and Child Undernutrition). Furthermore, many of the interventions identified in this strategy
correspond to those acknowledged by the Copenhagen Consensus 2008 as the most cost
effective interventions for global development.
This strategy has been developed through strong interagency collaboration, with input and
endorsement from Somali authorities. It is hoped the strength of this collaboration prevails
throughout the implementation phase, in pursuit of a common overall goal to improve the growth,
survival and development of the Somali people. The strategy provides the way forward for stronger
partnerships within the nutrition sector and between nutrition and other sectors and ministries
for coherent action to achieve this shared goal through improving the nutritional status of the
population.
Mark Bowden
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia