Concern Worldwide, in collaboration with key partners including the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), convened a regional learning event to share experiences and strengthen strategies for preventing child wasting across the Horn of Africa.
The event, held under the Hanaano Programme and funded by Irish Aid, brought together experts and practitioners from various organisations, including CEWARN, RACIDA, Lifeline Gedo (LLG), and Pastoralist Concern, as well as representatives from United Nations agencies and regional institutions.
The discussions focused on identifying effective community-level interventions, scaling sustainable prevention approaches, and consolidating lessons learned from ongoing operations in the region.
The Hanaano Programme is a cross-border initiative reaching over 300,000 people in vulnerable communities across Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia.
It aims to improve resilience, nutrition, and health outcomes by promoting integrated, locally driven solutions to chronic malnutrition and food insecurity.
Participants reflected on practical experiences from the field to understand what works best in preventing acute malnutrition and ensuring sustainable change.
They emphasised the importance of evidence-based, community-centred interventions that can be scaled to reach more families facing the persistent threat of child wasting.
The event underscored the urgent need for stronger collaboration, learning, and investment to address acute malnutrition, which continues to affect millions of children across the Horn of Africa.
By pooling knowledge and resources, Hanaano Programme partners aim to accelerate progress toward ending child wasting and building healthier, more resilient communities.