Deadline: 28-Nov-2025

The World Food Programme (WFP) has launched a four-month targeted nutrition intervention in Angola to address moderate acute malnutrition among children and pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls (PBWG). The programme focuses on life-saving treatment, improved availability of Ready-to-Use Supplementary Food (RUSF), and long-term capacity strengthening for health systems and community workers. By enhancing training, monitoring and supply chains, WFP aims to reduce mortality and build sustainable nutrition services in Huila and Cunene Provinces.

WFP Launches Targeted Nutrition Programme to Combat Acute Malnutrition in Angola

Overview

The World Food Programme (WFP) is implementing a targeted nutrition intervention in Angola from January to April 2026. The programme focuses on reducing moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) among children aged 6–59 months and pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls (PBWG) in highly affected regions of Huila and Cunene provinces.

Geographical Focus

• Huila Province: Chibia and Humpata municipalities

• Cunene Province: Cuanhama and Ombadja municipalities

• Coverage includes 34 health units receiving RUSF supplies and technical support.

Core Objectives

• Reduce mortality and morbidity linked to moderate acute malnutrition.

• Achieve 80%+ adherence among children receiving nutritional therapy.

• Ensure timely and adequate distribution of Ready-to-Use Supplementary Food (RUSF).

• Build long-term capacity of local health systems and community structures.

• Strengthen monitoring and evaluation (M&E) for evidence-based decisions.

Key Components of the Intervention

1. Life-Saving Nutrition Support

• Treatment for 3,573 children and 893 PBWG with moderate acute malnutrition.

• Use of RUSF aligned with SPHERE standards to ensure high-quality care.

• Supply chain management to deliver 30 metric tons of RUSF to health facilities.

2. Capacity Building for Sustainable Impact

WFP prioritizes strengthening local capacity to ensure long-term resilience.

Training and Skills Development

• Training health workers on:

  • Identification of malnutrition cases

  • Referral pathways

  • Management of acute malnutrition

• Capacity-building sessions for community health workers (CHWs).

Community Involvement

• WFP will temporarily hire 24 CHWs to support field implementation.

• Emphasis on UN values: inclusion, integrity, humility and humanity.

3. Strengthened Monitoring and Evaluation

• Real-time data collection for effective decision-making.

• Monthly reporting on RUSF distribution and programme milestones.

• Enhanced accountability mechanisms for affected populations.

• Robust M&E system to support long-term CMAM (Community-Based Management of Acute Malnutrition).

Why This Programme Matters

• Angola faces persistent malnutrition challenges, especially among young children.

• Early and targeted intervention prevents severe malnutrition and long-term developmental impacts.

• Strengthening community and health system capacity ensures sustainable CMAM services beyond the project period.

• Improved supply chain and M&E systems increase transparency and programme efficiency.

How the Intervention Works

Step-by-Step Implementation

1. Identify malnutrition cases through trained health staff and CHWs.

2. Register beneficiaries (children 6–59 months and PBWG).

3. Provide RUSF and nutrition counselling according to SPHERE standards.

4. Monitor treatment adherence to ensure ≥80% completion.

5. Deploy and supervise 24 CHWs for community-based outreach.

6. Deliver training sessions to enhance technical capacity.

7. Track RUSF movement, ensuring 30 MT is distributed efficiently.

8. Collect and analyze data for timely decision-making.

9. Submit monthly reports from health units to WFP.

10. Conclude with final evaluation to measure outcomes and sustainability.

Common Challenges and How WFP Addresses Them

1. Supply Chain Delays

Mitigated through early procurement, warehouse stock oversight and efficient delivery planning.

2. Low Treatment Adherence

Community outreach and counselling improve attendance and compliance.

3. Limited Local Capacity

Dedicated training and deployment of 24 CHWs close the gap.

4. Weak Data Systems

Strengthened M&E ensures accuracy, transparency and accountability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is targeted by this programme?

Children aged 6–59 months and pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls (PBWG) suffering from moderate acute malnutrition in Huila and Cunene Provinces.

2. How long will the intervention run?

The programme runs for four months, from January to April 2026.

3. What type of nutritional support is provided?

The programme distributes Ready-to-Use Supplementary Food (RUSF) to support recovery from moderate acute malnutrition.

4. How does WFP ensure quality standards?

WFP adheres to SPHERE standards, ensuring evidence-based, high-quality nutrition care.

5. Why are community health workers being hired?

To improve malnutrition case detection, ensure follow-up and strengthen community-level implementation.

6. How is monitoring carried out?

M&E involves real-time data collection, monthly reporting and systematic tracking of RUSF distribution.

7. What outcomes are expected?

Treatment for 3,573 children and 893 PBWG, stronger health system capacity and improved availability of essential nutrition supplies.

Conclusion

WFP’s targeted nutrition initiative in Angola is a critical, time-sensitive effort to combat acute malnutrition and save lives. By combining direct nutritional support, capacity building and enhanced monitoring systems, the programme strengthens local health structures and secures a more resilient future for vulnerable children and women across Huila and Cunene.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.