The World Food Programme (WFP) is inviting applications for its Nutrition and School Feeding Program, designed to prevent and treat malnutrition among children under five, pregnant and lactating women, adolescent girls, and new mothers in Warrap, South Sudan. The programme delivers core nutrition services, behaviour-change training, and system-strengthening support to improve long-term community health. Its goal is to reduce morbidity and mortality and contribute directly to Sustainable Development Goal 2.

Overview

The WFP initiative provides targeted nutrition assistance to populations facing severe nutrition gaps due to conflict, food insecurity, and inadequate health services. The programme combines life-saving nutrition support with education-based feeding interventions and capacity-building to ensure sustainable community resilience.

Programme Goal

The core objective is to reduce malnutrition-related illness and death among vulnerable groups while strengthening long-term health outcomes. This supports SDG 2: Zero Hunger, particularly the goal of eliminating all forms of malnutrition.

Target Groups

The programme focuses on populations most at risk:

Children aged 6–59 months
Pregnant women
Lactating women and new mothers
Adolescent girls
Caregivers and community members involved in child nutrition

Key Outcomes of the Programme

Outcome 1: Improved Access to Nutrition and Health Services

The programme provides targeted nutrition packages to prevent and treat malnutrition. These may include:

Therapeutic and supplementary feeding
Micronutrient supplements
Nutrition screenings and referrals
Infant and young child feeding (IYCF) support
These services help stabilise nutritional status and improve overall wellbeing for children and mothers.

Outcome 2: Strengthened Behaviour and Nutrition Knowledge

Through Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC), the programme trains and educates:

Pregnant women
Caregivers
Community leaders
Adolescents
Training focuses on healthier feeding practices, maternal nutrition, disease prevention, hygiene, and other behaviours that reduce malnutrition risk.

Outcome 3: Enhanced Local Health and Nutrition Systems

The programme supports health facilities and community structures to improve service delivery. This includes:

Training health workers
Strengthening supply chains
Improving data collection and monitoring
Supporting community-based nutrition systems
These investments ensure sustainability beyond the programme period.

Why This Programme Matters

Addresses acute and chronic malnutrition in high-risk communities
Reduces mortality in children under five
Empowers women and caregivers with knowledge and skills
Strengthens local health systems for long-term resilience
Supports national efforts to meet SDG 2 and improve nutrition outcomes

How the Programme Works

Identification of Target Populations
Screening and community outreach identify children and women needing nutritional support.
Distribution of Nutrition Packages
Beneficiaries receive food supplements, fortified commodities, and essential health services.
Behaviour-Change Training
Community sessions teach practical nutrition, feeding, and hygiene practices.
School Feeding Component
School-age children benefit from meals that improve attendance, concentration, and overall health.
System Strengthening
Health workers and community structures receive training, tools, and monitoring systems for sustained service delivery.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Regular assessments ensure interventions remain effective and responsive to community needs.

Common Challenges and Tips for Applicants

Weak targeting: Clearly identify how vulnerable groups will be reached.
Limited behaviour-change planning: Include culturally appropriate SBCC activities.
Insufficient system-strengthening plans: Demonstrate how capacity-building will continue beyond the project.
Incomplete monitoring frameworks: Provide clear indicators and data-tracking methods.
Underestimated logistics: Account for transport, supply chains, and hard-to-reach locations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What regions does the programme cover?
The current call focuses on Warrap State in South Sudan.

2. Who is eligible to apply?
National NGOs, community-based organizations, and qualified partners with experience in nutrition and health programming.

3. Does the programme include school meals?
Yes. School feeding is integrated to support children’s learning and nutrition.

4. Are adolescent girls included as beneficiaries?
Yes. They are considered a high-risk group for malnutrition and are fully included.

5. What types of nutrition services are funded?
Therapeutic feeding, supplementary feeding, micronutrients, screenings, referrals, and IYCF support.

6. Does the programme include community training?
Yes. SBCC activities are a core component.

7. Is system strengthening required?
Yes. Applicants must show how they will support local health and nutrition service capacity.

Conclusion

The WFP Nutrition and School Feeding Program plays a vital role in combating malnutrition in Warrap by combining direct nutrition support, behaviour-change interventions, and system strengthening. By protecting vulnerable populations and investing in long-term resilience, the programme helps communities move toward better health, greater stability, and sustainable progress toward SDG 2.