SHO Nigeria - Preventing famine and alleviating suffering relating to food insecurity in NE Nigeria SUMMARY
This project will identify, refer and treat Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) cases through Outpatient Treatment Practices (OTP) programs and mobile outreach, using Middle Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) screening and Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) approach, including referring complicated and medical SAM cases to Stabilization Centres.
It will further conduct awareness raising on Infant and Young Child Nutrition (IYCF), maternal nutrition, causes of malnutrition, early socio-emotional stimulation and child protection for caretakers and mothers. Insecurity related to Boko Haram violence and military counter operations continues to affect 26 million people living in North East Nigeria, with 14 million in need of humanitarian assistance, of which more than 50 % are children. Since March 2016 the estimated number of people facing extreme food and nutrition deficits has doubled to 5.8 million as a result of massive displacement, destruction of agricultural activity, lack of access to farmland and loss of livelihoods. Similarly, the armed conflict was destroyed and burned and has looted most health facilities. As a result of the conflict, a very high level of mortality and acute severe malnutrition and food insecurity has been reported. The project's main aim is to save the lives of under-five year old children and Pregnant and Lactating Women (PLWs), suffering from acute malnutrition through comprehensive nutrition (CMAM & IYCF) and psychosocial support intervention. Beyond providing life-saving services by means of treating MAM and SAM cases, the project will be building capacity of health offices to enable them to effectively treat cases of acute malnutrition independently in the future. On-the-job training will further increase the ability of health staff to deliver the appropriate services after the has ended. Special focus will be on creating ownership among health professionals. They will play a central role in community mobilization and linking target beneficiaries with the routine health services - ensuring future sustainability. The primary final beneficiaries are children under the age of five, pregnant and lactating mothers and health workers. Secondary beneficiaries are the wider community. Vulnerable HHs will be provided with unconditional cash transfers.
MUAC screening to identify children and PLW with SAM, MAM or at risk will be conducted.
Children will be treated with SAM at OTPs.
Children will be treated with SAM at SC.
Children and PLW will be enrolled in supplementary feeding programme.
Children with or at risk of MAM/SAM will be enrolled in deworming programmes.
Malnourished children will be provided with WASH essentials.
Community is will be provided with key messages on IYCF, causes of malnutrition, hygiene/sanitation and etc.
Volunteer Lead Mothers (incl. PLWs) will be enrolled in Care Groups to improve IYCF practices, hygiene and early stimulation.
Volunteer Lead Mother will be provided with training on IYCF and ECD.
Plan staff and government health workers will be provided with a basic and refresher training on SAM management and IYCF.
Community volunteers will receive a training on nutrition.
Health Centers will be supported in managing SAM/MAM cases.
Plan nutrition staff and government health workers will be trained on CPiE, socio-emotional stimulation, CF practices and ECD.
People who need emergency mental health care will be identified and refer them to PSS service providers.
OTP/SC sites will be equipped with playing materials. In order to ensure sustainability of this project, an important focus will be on capacity building of health institutions in managing acute malnutrition. The health professionals will be trained and facilities will be equipped with necessary equipment and supplies in order to provide a sustainable, long term service.
In addition, a very strong emphasis will be given on education and awareness-raising to improve child care and feeding practices and reduce the prevalence of malnutrition in the future.  The project will be linked to the existing  primary health care activities and collaborate with partners who are working in the areas of implementation in order to bring permanent change in the community. 
All the activities will be handed over to the government offices, mainly to the state and LGA health offices, for its continuity at the end of the project.  All materials and equipment purchased under this project will be transferred to the LGA offices to sustain the services.  Any unused commodity inputs will also be handed over to concerned government structure to be distributed to needy beneficiaries.