mothers2mothers and the WFP Innovation Accelerator Embark on New Nutrition Programme in Mozambique

mothers2mothers (m2m) is thrilled to announce that it has been selected to participate in the World Food Programme (WFP) Innovation Accelerator Sprint Programme with the support of the WFP Mozambique Country Office to improve the nutrition and food security of pregnant and breastfeeding women (PBFW), infants, and families living with, or who are at risk of, HIV in Cabo Delgado province in Mozambique. 

About the project

m2m Mentor Mothers are local women living with HIV employed, trained and deployed to health facilities and communities to provide integrated primary health services and education to other women and their families. Mother Mentors will be working across three districts: Chiure, Metuge, and Natite in Pemba City, to identify pregnant and breastfeeding women and their families, and internally displaced people (IDP) in resettlement centres who are facing severe food and nutritional challenges. 

Project aims

The aim of this project is to target 5,000 individuals and to ensure that at least 50% of those reached during this six-month pilot project have access to a varied and balanced diet, ultimately ensuring better health outcomes. To achieve these ambitious targets, m2m will be rolling out well-designed activities that include: 

1. 

   Culinary training in Metuge District.

   Identifying Vulnerable Women and Families: Mentor Mothers will work diligently to identify pregnant and breastfeeding women and their families who are living with, or at risk of, key vulnerabilities—like living with TB or HIV—that can lead to malnutrition. By identifying these vulnerable populations, the pilot can extend the necessary assistance to those who need it most.

2. Establishing Home Food Gardens: In a bid to enhance food security in the communities, Mentor Mothers will assist clients in creating food gardens at their homes or in social groups. m2m will provide the necessary seeds and provide ongoing education and support during regular household visits.

4. Enhancing Dietary Diversity: This pilot project aims to increase dietary diversity and access to nutritious food. By encouraging the consumption of a wide range of food groups and essential nutrients that are available, the initiative aims to combat malnutrition effectively.

5. Community Education and Support: Another critical aspect of the pilot is the empowerment of communities through education. Mentor Mothers will raise awareness about the importance of good nutrition and diverse diets and will provide culinary demonstrations. This will help communities to choose and prepare food with high nutritional value to ensure a balanced diet.

Additionally, the pilot  will also focus on improving the screening and enrolment rates for malnourished children in treatment centres and reducing the time between assessments and referrals for additional services, which Mentor Mothers have been trained to conduct for mothers and children. The goal is to foster healthier communities, where every child and mother has access to the necessary support and resources to thrive. 

Shared objectives

“At mothers2mothers, we are deeply committed to creating a healthier, more prosperous future for mothers, babies, and families. The participation in the WFP Innovation Accelerator Sprint Programme marks a significant step towards achieving our shared vision, and we are excited to witness the positive impact it will have on the lives of thousands of people in Mozambique and beyond,” shared m2m Mozambique Country Director—Dr. Ali Ouenzar. 

The success of the pilot phase in Cabo Delgado will pave the way for the expansion of similar programmes to other provinces within Mozambique and other countries where m2m and WFP operate. By integrating this nutrition and social protection programming into the existing evidence-based models, this pilot will demonstrate how m2m’s work is innovative, cost effective and scalable in combating malnutrition and supporting vulnerable communities in the fight against HIV and AIDS. 

“Our shared objective is to empower mothers, nurture futures, and forge a lasting impact on community health. Collaborating with m2m, we aspire to mainstream sustainable solutions that combat malnutrition and enhance the well-being of pregnant and breastfeeding women in the North of Mozambique,” said WFP Mozambique Country Director, Antonella D’Aprile.