Local Experiences of the Uganda Nutrition Action Plan in Lira District: Challenges and Lessons for Policy Implementation

BackgroundIn response to high rates of undernutrition, Uganda began rolling out the multisectoral Uganda Nutrition Action Plan (UNAP) in 2011, followed by Phase II (UNAP II) in 2020. Uganda has since progressed toward several nutrition targets; however, limitations in nutrition coordination and financing call for continued strengthening of the UNAP II.ObjectivesGiven that monitoring of the UNAP II does not consistently capture district-level outcomes and relies upon quantitative nutrition indicators, this study aims to qualitatively assess nutrition stakeholder and community perspectives at the district level.MethodsFrom June to August in 2022, under an umbrella study utilizing community-based participatory research methods to train youth from Lira District in research, in partnership with the University of Southern California (USC) and community organization Children's Chance International-Uganda, these youth helped carry out an explanatory qualitative assessment consisting of 10 key informant interviews. Responses were compiled, transcribed, and analyzed using the Atlas TI software to code responses for thematic insights.ResultsParticipants highlighted several challenges with the UNAP II implementation at the local level. Mechanisms intended to promote multisectoral collaboration, such as district nutrition coordination committees, have been on hiatus due to limited funding; local governments experience funding disbursement delays and a lack of nutrition prioritization; and nutrition surveillance is limited by tools, training, and human resources.ConclusionsObtaining community perspectives revealed several gaps in local UNAP II implementation and demonstrates the importance of creating mechanisms for communities to continuously provide feedback for national policies like the UNAP II.