Holistic Approach to Nutrition Security
Delta Africa's integrated health and nutrition program represents a comprehensive approach to addressing malnutrition in some of the most challenging environments across Africa. Operating in climate-affected and food-insecure contexts, our program strengthens community-based systems to improve nutrition outcomes for the most vulnerable populations.
Program Impact (2023-2024)
Our Integrated Program Pillars
Maternal, Infant, Child & Adolescent Nutrition (MIYCN)
Comprehensive nutrition support across the life cycle with focus on the first 1000 days
Nutrition Awareness & Social Behavior Change (SBC)
Community-led behavior change initiatives promoting optimal nutrition practices
Early Detection, Referral & Community Nutrition Systems
Strengthened community-based screening and referral pathways
Nutrition-Sensitive Health & WASH
Integrated Water, Sanitation and Hygiene interventions for better nutrition outcomes
Climate-Related Nutrition & Health Risks
Addressing climate impacts on food security and health
Mental Health & Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)
Integrated mental health support for affected communities
Impact Story: Integrated Nutrition & WASH Program
In the drought-affected communities of Turkana County, Delta Africa implemented an integrated nutrition and WASH program that demonstrates the power of holistic interventions. The program addressed both immediate nutritional needs and underlying causes of malnutrition.
Key Strategies Implemented:
- Community Nutrition Units: Established 15 mobile nutrition screening and support units
- WASH Infrastructure: Constructed 45 water points and 200 household latrines
- Mother-to-Mother Support Groups: Trained 120 peer educators on infant feeding practices
- Climate-Smart Gardens: Established 30 community gardens with drought-resistant crops
The Climate-Nutrition Nexus
Our approach recognizes that climate change significantly impacts nutrition security. We address this through:
- Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Promoting drought-tolerant crops and water-harvesting techniques
- Early Warning Systems: Integrating nutrition surveillance with climate monitoring
- Adaptive Programming: Flexible interventions that respond to climate shocks
- Ecosystem Restoration: Community-led environmental conservation for long-term food security
Community-Based Systems Strengthening
At the heart of our approach is empowering communities to own and sustain their nutrition outcomes:
Capacity Building
Training of community health volunteers, traditional birth attendants, and youth nutrition champions
Community Surveillance
Localized nutrition monitoring using simple tools and community reporting systems
Addressing Mental Health in Nutrition Programming
Recognizing the link between mental health and nutrition, we integrate MHPSS through:
- Counseling for mothers of malnourished children
- Support groups for caregivers experiencing distress
- Training community workers in basic psychosocial support
- Addressing stigma around mental health in nutrition contexts
"Before Delta Africa's program, we had to walk 10km for water and our children were always sick. Now we have clean water nearby and our children are growing healthy. The community garden gives us vegetables even during drought." - Aisha, Mother of three, Turkana County
Innovations in Hard-to-Reach Areas
For remote communities, we've developed innovative delivery mechanisms:
Mobile technology for nutrition counseling and monitoring
Last-mile delivery using community networks and motorbikes
Radio programs for nutrition education in local languages
Our integrated health and nutrition program demonstrates that sustainable change comes from addressing the interconnected challenges of food security, health, WASH, and climate resilience through community-led solutions.