Provincial consultation was held from 3-23 September 2022 in all seven provinces to gather the issues and challenges related to the implementation of MSNP and obtain the suggestions and recommendations for the formulation of MSNP-III from the subnational government and relevant stakeholders at provincial and local levels. The consultation was led by two national consultants namely Dr. Rajendra BC and Dr. Suman Chandra Gurung from National Planning Commission (NPC) and facilitated by the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration (MoFAGA) and coordinated by the Provincial Policy and (Planning) Commission of the respective provinces. Representatives from the National Nutrition and Food Security Secretariat/ National Planning Commission, Nutrition Section of Family Welfare Division within the Department of Health Services, UNICEF Nepal, and other relevant stakeholders (USAID supported SUAAHARA project members) from federal level also supported and facilitated the conduction of the workshop. As a part of the consultation with the subnational government, key government officials and members of the provincial and local level nutrition and food security steering committee were consulted and discussions were made regarding the formulation of MSNP-III (2023-2030). In addition, representatives of the relevant stakeholders, Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs), members of the Mothers’ Group, and MSNP Volunteers were consulted in the process. Observation of the MSNP intervention at schools, and health facilities including Nutrition Rehabilitation Homes, and Out-patient Treatment Centers were also made. The interviews, interaction, and observation visit was followed by a 1-day provincial level consultation workshop in each of the seven provinces. The workshop was chaired by the Vice-chairperson of the Provincial Policy and (Planning) Commission. Members of the Provincial Level Nutrition and Food Security Steering Committee, Mayors/Vice mayors, Chairperson/vice-chairperson of a few of the selected municipalities/rural municipalities, and representatives of the relevant stakeholders in provinces attended the workshop and provided their invaluable insights to guide the formulation of the MSNP-III. During the workshop, two different presentations were made: the first presentation was made from National Planning Commission that outlined the existing constitutional and other policy provisions related to MSNP while the second presentation was made by Mr. Sher Singh Dahit, on the behalf of MoFAGA that focused on the existing nutrition and food security situation of the respective provinces. The presentation was followed by an open floor discussion, during which the attendees of the workshop provided their extempore suggestions for drafting the formulation of MSNP-III. The plenary session was followed by a 45-minute group discussion where six thematic groups were formed- Health, Education, WASH, Women and Children, Agriculture and Livestock, and Local Governance- to discuss the strength, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats/challenges of the individual sectors. After the group work, the group leader from each sector made the presentation which was documented by consultants. Following the presentation from six different groups, remarks from UNICEF Nepal and selected relevant stakeholders followed through. The workshop was concluded by the Vice-chairperson of the Provincial Policy and Planning Commission.
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Published On: 2024-01-23
