Pakistan - Scaling Up Nutrition

2020 Joint-Assessment by the multi-stakeholder platformPakistan

1

Pakistan


2

Participants

1.

Did the following stakeholder groups feed into the Joint-Assessment (in writing or verbally)?

Group Yes/ No

Goverment Yes

Civil society Yes

Donors Yes

United Nations No

Business Yes

Academia and science Yes

Youth No

Other No

If other, please specify:

n/a

2.

How many participated in the Joint-Assessment process?

Total

67

How many participants were female and how many were male?

Female Male

10 57


3

Process

3.

Was the Joint-Assessment data gathered and/or reviewed during a face-to-face meeting orvia email?

Step Format

CollectionMeeting

Email

Review and validationMeeting

Email

4.If an information gathering or validation meeting took place, you can attach one or morephotos here in JPG or PNG format.


4

Usefulness

5.

If an information gathering or validation meeting took place, would you say that the meetingwas seen as useful by participants, beyond the usual work of the multi-stakeholder platform(MSP)?

Yes

6.

Why?

It was a consultative process which enabled the networks to review and discuss the progressmade by all networks and validate/ crosscheck each networks achievements. This also helpeddevise a joint way forward with consensus considering the future priorities of the Governmentand SUN Strategy 3.0.


5

Participants

FirstName

LastName

StakeholderGroup

Organisation Job title Email Phone

Add toSUNmailinglist

Sarfaraz Khokhar SUNCSAUnitedChristenOrganization

ExecutiveDirector

[email protected] No

Shahbaz Hussain SUNCSAAmanWelfareOrganization

ExecutiveDirector

No

Ibraheem SUNCSAFriendFoundation

ProgramManager

No

Abbas Gondal SUNCSAFriendFoundation

ChiefExecutiveofficer

No

MianShahid

Nadeem SUNCSASustainableDevelopmentInitiatives

ExecutiveDirector

No

Saboor Kaker SUNCSA

WaterEnvironmentandSanitationSociety

ExecutiveDirector

No

Abdul Jabbar SUNCSAInsan DostFoundation

ExecutiveDirector

No

Amna Jamil SUNCSA AGHAHEAdvocacyCoordinator

No

Seema Raza SUNCSA

PakistanPovertyAlleviationFund

Health &NutritionManager

No


6

Participants

FirstName

Last NameStakeholderGroup



Maaz Asghar SUNCSA NeelabProgramofficer

No

Abid Jamsheed SUNCSAHaleemaDevelopmentOrganization

ExecutiveDirector

No

Akram Khashkeli SUNCSA Hari WelfareExecutiveDirector

No

Riaz Ahmed SUNCSA BunyadProgramManager

No

Gul Nasir SUNCSA SSHDRExecutiveDirector

No

Omer Bangash SUNCSA Welthungerhilfe

Expert –Food &NutritionSecurity / QAProgrammes

No

HM Tayyab SUNCSAShadab RuralDevelopment

No

MAchar

Bozdar SUNCSA FRDP No

Abdul Ghafoor SUNCSAHamdamDevelopmentOrg

No


7

Participants

First NameLastName

StakeholderGroup



Sameena Nazir SUNCSA PODAExecutiveDirector

No

Mazhar Alam SUNCSAConcern WorldWide

Health &NutritionAdvisor

No

Mubarak Sarwar SUNCSA AGHAHIChiefExecutiveofficer

No

Saeedul Hassan SUNCSAHumanDevelopmentFoundation

ExecutiveDirector

No

Saad Tanvir SUNCSAAction AgainstHunger

HealthManager

No

Noor Malik SUNCSA LASOONAProgramManager

No

Shafqat Ullah SUNCSACONCERNWorldwide

ProgramManager

No

Khalid Khan SUNCSAIslamic ReliefPakistan

ProgramManager

No

Muhammad Zahir SUNCSAAllaiDevelopmentOragnition

ExecutiveDirector

No


8

Participants

First Name Last NameStakeholderGroup



Irshad Danish SUNCSANutritionInternational

AdvocacyAdvisor

No

Aliya Habib SUNCSA

SUNCSAPakistan /NutritionInternational-

SUNCSACoordinator

[email protected] No

Bilquees Gayas SUNCSAPakistan /NutritionInternational

ProjectCoordinator

No

Muhammad Riaz SUNCSABright HopeFoundation

ExecutiveDirector

No

Hassan Hasrat SUNCSA SCAPChiefExecutiveofficer

No

Afzal Khan GovernmentDepartmentof Education

DDE EMIS No

Muhammad Abbass GovernmentDepartmentof Health

ProjectCoordinator

No

Ikram Muhammad GovernmentDepartmentof Food

Director No

Salma Aziz GovernmentWomenDevelopmentDirectorate

DeputyDirector

No


9

Participants

First NameLastName

StakeholderGroup



Javed Akhter GovernmentDepartment ofAgriculture

DeputyDirectorExtension

No

Maqbool Khan GovernmentDepartment ofFishries

AssistatDirector

No

Ishtiaq Hussain GovernmentDepartment ofLivestock

Director No

Ijlal Hussain GovernmentDepartment ofLG&RD (WASH Unit)

ProjectDirector

No

SartajAliBakhan

Government AcademiaAssociateProfessor

No

Benazir Liaqat GovernmentSocial WelfareDepartment

AssistantDirector

No

Muhammad Nasir SBNFLC EngroFoodsPakistan

Chair SBN &SeniorManagerScientific &RegulatoryAffairs, FLCEngro

No

RSN Janjua SBN SoypakMember EC& ManagingDirector

No

Muhammad Humair SBNAsian FoodIndustries

Head ofExportsMarketing

No


10

Participants

First NameLastName

StakeholderGroup



Kamran Siddiqui SBNUpfieldPakistan

ManagerRegulatory&CorporateAffairs

No

Fuad Khan SBNBakhabarKissan

Chief Data& StrategyOfficer

No

Suleman Anwar SBNShazdayFruits

ChiefStrategyOfficer

No

Ali Murtaza SBN Poulta Inc CEO No

MuhammadIqbal

Khan Government

Planning &DevelopmentDepartmentKP

TechnicalConsultant

No

Touseef Abbass Government SUN AJKTechnicalConsultant

No

Badar Uzaman Government SUNProgramPolicyOfficer

[email protected] Yes

Nazeer Ahmed Government

NutritionSection/PlanningCommission

DeputyChiefNutrition/SUN FocalPerson


Imranullah Khan Government SUNSUNCoordinator



11

Participants

First Name Last NameStakeholderGroup



Nadir Shah Government SUN GBTechnicalConsultant

No

Kashif Nazeer Government

Planning &DevelopmentDepartmentKP

AssistantChief

No

Amir Ali Samnani Government AAP HealthDeputy AAPHealth

No

Mahamadou TANIMOUNE UN WFPHead ofNutrition

N/A

Yasir Ihtesham UN WFPNutritionManager

No

Rozina Khalid GovernmentEhsaasProgram

FocalPerson

No

Abdul Ahad SBN GAINBizEngagementAssociate

No

Muhammad Nasir SUN Punjab P&D PunjabSUNCoordinator

No

Syed Abrar Hussain Government

Planning &DevelopmentDepartmentGB

AdditionalChiefSecretary

No


12

Participants

FirstName

LastName

StakeholderGroup



Nomina Anis UN FAO Nutritionist No

Farrah Naz SBN GAINCountryDirector

No

Ateeq ur Rehman SUN Punjab

Planning &DevelopmentDepartmentPunjab

Programofficer

No

Saleem Masih Government

Planning &DevelopmentDepartmentPunjab

Chief Health No


13

PROCESS 1: Bringing people together in the same space for action

Progress marker 1.1: Select/develop coordinating mechanisms at thecountry level

Final score Last year's data used

4 No

Please explain how you determined this score, especially if changes have been seen over the past year

National SUN Secretariat and Provincial/area SUN Units are present, functional and resourced. Regular coordinationmechanics are placed within National SUN Secretariat, provinces/areas SUN Units and with Networks throughSteering Committees, Technical Working Groups, Elected Network Councils and other channels. The National SUNSecretariat and provincial area SUN Units have actively engaged other relevant ministries and departments for theircontribution to address malnutrition including enhanced public financing. Two high level nutrition platforms havebeen established. The Pakistan National Nutrition Coordination Council (PNNCC) has been created and the PrimeMinister chairs the council with six ministers as its members reflecting both a multisectoral construct as well as highpolitical commitment to address malnutrition. The ministers included are Special Assistant to Prime Minister onPoverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Minister for National Food Security & Research, Advisor to Prime Minister onFinance & Revenue, Minister for Commerce, Advisor to Prime Minister on Climate Change and Special Assistant toPrime Minister on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination. Ministers for Education, Planning,interprovincial are also members and Chief secretaries. The PNNCC has four core functions: (i) Strategy & Policy (ii)Human Capital Development (iii) Monitoring & Impact Assessment (iv) Advocacy & Awareness Raising. TORs havebeen revised. PNNCC will be supported by Planning commission and MoH. National Nutrition Forum (NNF) hasbeen established in Planning Commission to provide leadership in harmonizing nutrition interventions in thecountry. The forum is Chaired by Deputy Chairman Planning Commission and Deputy Chief Nutrition/ SUN FocalPoint is a member and secretary. The NNF will work on high level multi-sectoral nutrition Coordination andengaging relevant ministries/departments donors, development partners and other key stakeholders for synergieseffect. Advocacy & awareness regarding the strategy for promoting healthy dietary practices and knowledgesharing at various level. Stunting prevention through Early Childhood Development (1000 days window ofopportunity) and adolescent girls nutrition. SUNAR has provided platform to its 54-member academic and researchinstitutions from federal and provincial government and private sector institutions to coordinate with each other forhigh quality research and train human resource for effective delivery of nutrition interventions. The SBN Network isestablished, governance mechanism is in place, strategy is being executed in close collaboration with National SUNSecretariat and other stakeholders. Network to network engagements are being discussed and deepening. SBNconducted elections last year and elected new executive committee for the term 2019-21 and the Committee ismeeting every quarter to track progress against SBN Strategic plan. The Network has given memberships to 14 newSMEs and total business membership increased to 50 members. The new members have been provided awarenesson their potential role and secured their commitments to act. Similarly, 12 members have been supported to act andscale up their solutions for improving nutrition. The Network has given memberships to 13 new SMEs and built theircapacity. SUN Civil Society Alliance Pakistan is fully functional, with more than 164 members from all provinces andregions. SUNCSA Secretariat coordinates with all its members at national and provincial level. All members form theGeneral Council (GC) of the Alliance elects a 15 member, representative Executive Committee (EC) through ademocratic process. All networks have representation in National SUN Core Group which meets on regular basisunder the chair of Government SUN Focal Point. Overall, progress made in previous years is sustained. In thecurrent reporting period, coordination mechanism at provincial level is improved and enhanced. SUNCSA ECinitiated the discussion for decentralization process of SUNCSA at provincial level. The consultations with SUNCSAmembers, stakeholders and experts. The draft SUNCSA next 5-years strategy (2021-2025) is ready which hasincluded a guideline for decentralization of SUNCSA structure to the district level, in phased manner. SUNCSAExecutive Committee has been more active now, coordination with government is enhanced in last yearsparticularly with provincial SUN units. Despite the COVID-19 during the pandemic, SUNCSA members organizationshave been closely engaged with relevant government authorities for relief and response work. SUNCSA membershave actively mobilized philanthropy and are playing their role in COVID-19 relief activities at every level. SUN UNNetwork is currently active and led by World Food Programme (WFP) including UN agencies (FAO, WHO, UNICEF,WFP as lead). The network is providing Technical, Financial and HR support to National SUN secretariat and most ofthe provincial SUN Units. They have been actively involved in preparing Government’s response to COVID-19pandemic and providing Technical and financial support.


14

PROCESS 1: Bringing people together in the same space foraction

Progress marker 1.2: Coordinate internally and expandmembership/engage with other actors for broader influence


3 No


The SUN Secretariat is regularly engaging provincial/area units on quarterly basis and whenever there arespecific assignments/needs. In some areas SUN Units engaged SDG units. Apart of SUN Units, theSecretariat regularly coordinates with other Networks such as SBN, CSA and UN etc. National DisasterManagement Authority’s (NDMA) conveyed to the UN Agencies to highlight the need for establishingnutrition services as part of the support to COVID-19 response. In pursuance of the same, one of theProvincial Disaster management authority issued directions that Nutrition Directorate Health Departmentwill chair the Nutrition Technical Working Group (NTWG) with UNICEF co-chairing. SUN unit has beennominated as Secretariat for the group and played an active coordination role with the all stake holders.The UN network members i.e. UNICEF, WFP, FAO and WHO has effective internal coordination forscaling up nutrition efforts. It has made effective links with media, other SUN Networks and mostimportantly the active engagement of parliamentarians. This is also helping to support on SDGs progress.Moreover, new political government is influenced enough to position nutrition agenda as highest policypriority. SUNAR membership has increased from 46 to 54 Universities and Research Institutions. Thenetwork has ensured inclusive and equitable membership from all thematic areas and regions. SUNARmembers are well connected with other SUN Networks and support them for evidence generation andpolicy advocacy. A membership flyer and focal persons to expand membership at sub-national level arebeing identified. SUNCSA secretariat coordinates with all its members and other networks. Total numberof SUNCSA members have slightly decreased, due to multiple reasons; including new and stringentgovernment policies and legal procedures for NGOs & INGOs which forced some organizations (INGOs)to shut their operation down from the country. SUNCSA Executive Council has been in the process ofrevising the Alliance\\\'s membership criteria and rules of business to make it more aligned with thegovernment legal and policy framework, so no new membership have been awarded, although manymembership applications are pending. After finalization of strategy and rules of business SUNCSA willopen its membership. But engagement with stakeholders and partners have increased despite difficultenvironment, leading to salient contribution in nutrition policy and implementation plans at national andprovincial level. SBN has moved forward with the updated strategy and now focusing on increasingmembership. An effective internal coordination mechanism is in place. The membership of SBN hasincreased from 36 to 50 after joining of 14 new SME’s in the reporting period. Multiple stakeholdercoordination forums have been established however there are only a few examples of where truecoordination takes place. One example is of the Food Fortification Coordination group described above.Within the MSP, individual network level engagement are happening and there is a good progress againstthat. However, cross network engagements, national and sub-national network engagements are yet toreach its fullest potential though some discussions around engagement have already been kicked offbetween these networks. Exceeds 3 but is less than four. Membership and external outreach remains acontinuous process. In one of the province District Malnutrition addressing has been functional withscope of multisectoral coordination and accountability mechanism and Provincial chapter of all networkis being established to strengthen the internal coordination between all Network members. In anotherprovince there are District Coordination Committee for Nutrition (DCCN) which is chaired by Deputycommissioner at district level and this is the multi-sectoral platform. Where district focal points fromdifferent sectors shared the monthly/quarterly progress. There are Provincial fortification Alliance (PFA)supported by National Fortification Alliance (NFA) responsible for fortification related activities inprovinces.


15


Progress marker 1.3: Engage within/contribute to the multi-stakeholderplatform (MSP)


3 No


Coordination mechanism with the concerned departments/sectors are in place in all the provinces and regions withregular follow-up. In the reporting period the coordination mechanism was further enhanced through more frequent andorganized interactions on quarterly basis. This include interactions within the networks and across all networks andother MSPs. Provincial/area SUN Units have further strengthened coordination mechanism with the concerneddepartments/sectors to increase awareness and sensitize the Government officials on multi sectoral approaches tonutrition through frequent consultation meetings and coordination. The units also have increased effective collaborationwith National SUN Secretariat for developing common nutrition agenda/ strategy and revising Multi Sectoral NutritionStrategy etc. The provincial/area units also established coordination mechanisms with the SDG Units in their respectiveprovince/area. UN Network worked under agreed work plan of One – UN OPIII, Outcome 4 with in the MSP. Differentagencies are contributing to joint outputs and joint outcomes. UN Network is continuously engaging with other SUNNetworks (Business, Civil Society, Research and Academia) to maximize the potentials to excel in developing nutritionas multi-sectoral agenda for the country. SUNAR has been actively contributing at multi-stakeholders’ platform. In thereporting period Training of Trainers on Research Methodologies (qualitative & quantitative) was conducted for SUNARMembers SBN is collaborating other networks and potential joint efforts are being explored to complement each otheractions and activities on nutrition. The collaboration within the MSP on issues that are mutually re-enforcing andinterdependent among different networks and focal points have been kicked off and discussions are on-going. Forexample, SBN is exploring collaboration with SUN Focal Point in Punjab. SBN is also exploring engagement with SUNCSA and SUNAR. Donor Network continue to support National Fortification Alliance, SUN, and othernetworks/platforms. Donors tend to work well with government on an individual basis e.g. World Bank supportsnutrition programmes with government, EU works with Sindh government on PINS programme etc. However,coordination could be improved particularly within donors and with SUN. Currently, support is fragmented and notchannelized through MSP/SUN. SUNCSA has proactively engaged MSP stakeholders at national as well as sub nationallevels for review of policy implementation, identification of gaps and the role CSOs. SUNCSA has been part ofconsultations by the Global Panel on Agriculture and Food Systems for Nutrition, in Pakistan. SUNCSA has developedthe annual plan 2019 by ensuring active participation and contribution of all members from across the country as well asengaged multiple stakeholders in the annual review and planning of the Alliance, to develop a synergized plan andmaximize the impact. SUNCSA has been actively coordinating with nutrition stakeholders at national and sub-nationallevel. Nutrition International - SUNCSA convener & secretariat - has been elected as the co-chair for DevelopmentPartners for Nutrition (DPN) Forum that is an independent working group, of more than 15 organizations (UN Agencies,bilateral donors and International NGO), to share and exchange information on the nutrition interventions across thecountry to foster meaningful dialogue with Government, influence resource allocation, policy and strategic decisionsguiding nutrition programming in Pakistan. SUNCSA has been actively coordinating with the Food Fortification Alliancefor making Oil/Ghee and Wheatflour fortification as mandatory regulation in all the provinces. SUNCSA members areactive members of District Malnutrition Addressing Committees (DMACs) for supervision and monitoring of provincialmultisectoral nutrition strategies. In the pandemic response SUNCSA members along with other CSOs have been in theforefront for humanitarian relief and response activities especially for contribution to food security of vulnerablepopulation through food package distribution. In addition, SUNCSA members have been actively engaged withgovernment departments for COVID-19 relief and response activities, that has been acknowledged by the relevantauthorities.


16


Progress marker 1.4: Track, report and reflect on owncontributions and accomplishments


3 No

Please explain how you determined this score, especially if changes have been seen over the pastyear

Meetings of the SUN core group, networks, provincial/area Steering committee and technicalworking groups are taking place to review the progress. National SUN Secretariat and Provincial/area units prepare annual Workplan and get it approved from the competent authority. Based onworkplan activities quarterly and annual progress reports prepared and presented for approval andshared accordingly with the partners. SUN UN Network is fully operational and works under One UNOPIII – Outcome 4, Joint Work Plan where contributions and accomplishments are evaluatedannually. SUNAR Pak review its progress on periodic basis. Achievements and Progress of SUNAR arereported through email, social media, SUN Movement newsletter and SUN Core group. OversightCommittee of SUNAR review network progress. Due to COVID-19 physical meeting was not possible.However, SUNAR Pak members have been sharing their progress through emails and other virtualmethods on periodic basis. Key achievements were also posted on different social media platforms.Country Impact pathway and work plan for SBN are in place and tracking against set targets arebeing done. SBN has a comprehensive reporting mechanism within SBN and the results are alsoshared with SUN Global, SUN focal point Pakistan and other stakeholders. Progress and results arealso regularly presented in SBN Executive and SUN Core Group meetings. SBN has a comprehensivereporting mechanism with SBN and SUN Global but also results are being communicated to the SUNPakistan and other stakeholders. Progress and results are also regularly presented in SBN AdvisoryGroup, Executive and SUN Core Group meetings. The internal reporting and sharing within SUNCSAmembers have improved in the last year. After the development of an inclusive annual plan, areporting template in English and local language is developed for tracking members contributiontowards nutrition specific and nutrition sensitive interventions periodically. The SUNCSA secretariathas followed up regularly with the members for sharing their progress, as a result an annual progressreport has been compiled by the end of the year. There is always room for improvement and SUNCSAhas realized this need and plan to develop an interactive online MEAL system that can be accessed byall members for easy reporting and sharing. There is need to document success stories, communitylevel best practices challenges and lessons learned which can be shared at provincial & regionalplatforms.


17


Progress marker 1.5: Sustain the political impact of the multi-stakeholder platform


3 No


Parliamentarians have regularly been engaged in provinces and regions on malnutrition issues and their potentialrole to accelerate progress towards achieving agenda 2030. Continued advocacy by the UN Network contributedbetter highlighting nutrition as a life cycle approach in 12th Five year plan and Economic Growth Strategy ofPlanning Commission, Government of Pakistan. Number of new nutrition and food security initiatives been takenunder Ehsaas Program Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection. Two high level forums have beenestablished: National Nutrition Forum (NNF) at Planning Commission Chaired by Deputy Chairman PlanningCommission, Pakistan National Nutrition Coordination Council (PNNCC) Chaired by the Prime Minister.Moreover, SUN and multi-sectoral strategies are owned by the highest government institutions at federal andprovincial level and have further progressed to make effective links with SDGs platforms. Efforts are being madeto channel public finances in nutrition programming at federal and provincial level. The relevance of businessengagement is increasingly recognized in multiple sectors and in provinces as a result of increasing engagement.Multi-sectoral policies are being influenced through this MSP. Businesses are increasingly considering value ininvesting nutrition and healthy products by becoming a part of this MSP. Nutrition appears a priority area for thenew government, which also recognizes that a multisectoral approach is needed. Donors are continuouslyworking with government to reflect nutrition priority into their annual development plans. One of the ProvincialSUN Unit engaged Honorable Speaker Provincial Assembly Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to discuss the way forward andplanned an orientation session for the Member\\\'s Provincial Assembly (MPA\\\'s) in order to aware and sensitizethem on nutrition sensitive and nutrition specific programming under Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Multi SectoralIntegrated Nutrition Strategy. Nutrition being the key priority of Government. In some provinces public money hasbeen allocated to nutrition specific and sensitive schemes in ADP 2019-20. Furthermore, the financial assessmentof nutrition interventions is linked with nutrition markers and further communicated to line departments as aguideline for preparation of Projects. SUNCSA engaged policy makers for sustainable prioritization of nutrition atpolicy level and ensuring implementation of nutrition programs. Individual meetings with members of national &provincial assemblies and senators were conducted during the year, a consultative meeting with ParliamentaryTask Force on SDGs was conducted, in which more than 18 members of national assembly including fourparliamentary secretaries participated and agreed with SUNCA\\\'s \\\"Asks\\\" for prioritization nutrition policyand implementation and making food and nutrition security a fundamental constitutional right. Legislators showedpositive response and agreed to provide support in taking forward nutrition agenda at the parliamentary forumparticularly for establishing nutrition specific parliamentary forum and legislation for making food and nutritionsecurity as a fundamental constitutional right. SUNCSA also gained support from highest level, when thePresident of Pakistan inaugurated the National Nutrition Conference, appreciated the work done by SUNCSA andnutrition partners for safeguarding and improving the nutritional status of vulnerable segments of population andexpressed governments support and resolve for the same. SUNAR members have been actively contributingtowards achieving political impact of MSPs at national and provincial level through provision of scientific evidenceand identification of cost- effective proven interventions for scaling up nutrition. SUNAR members through theircontributions in advisory groups and technical committees were able to influence decisions in favour of nutrition.Academicians and Scientific Community are well respected; therefore, they have used their positive influence onleadership of different parties in making nutrition as priority agenda at national and provincial level. SUNAR alsobridged gap between scientific community and policy makers. The relevance of business engagement isincreasingly recognized in multiple sectors and in provinces as a result of increasing engagement. Multi-sectoralpolicies are being influenced through this MSP. Businesses are increasingly considering value in investing innutrition and healthy products by becoming a part of this MSP. There is need establish and strengthenengagement of business with food and agriculture ministry and departments to accelerate actions. However,there is more to be done in food and agriculture ministry and departments level by the ministry to accelerateactions. There is need to advocate for establishment of nutrition standing committees at national and provinciallevel to ensure parliamentary oversight on nutrition programs and sustain political impact.


18


Progress marker 1.6: Regional-level work

Do you work at the regional/sub-regional level?

Yes

What bodies or organisations do you mainly work with?

ExCom and Country Focal Points

Have you seen major achievements in 2019-2020?

Yes

Please explain:

ExCom and Country Focal Points


19


SUMMARY: Bringing people together in the same space

Please describe overall achievements, positive developments, key challenges and suggestions forimprovement towards ensuring a coherent policy and legal framework seen the past year (April 2019 - April2020). Note that this section will be used to draft your individual country profiles in the SUN Movementannual progress report.

MSP are active in all provinces and regions for coordination. Regular coordination mechanics are placedwithin National SUN Secretariat, provinces/areas SUN Units and with Networks through SteeringCommittees, Technical Working Groups, Elected Network Councils and other channels. The National SUNSecretariat and provincial area SUN Units have actively engaged other relevant ministries and departmentsfor their contribution to address malnutrition including enhanced public financing. Two high level nutritionplatforms have been established The Pakistan National Nutrition Coordination Council (PNNCC) has beencreated and the Prime Minister chairs the council with six ministers as its members reflecting both amultisectoral construct as well as high political commitment to address malnutrition. The ministers includedare Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Minister for National FoodSecurity & Research, Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance & Revenue, Minister for Commerce, Advisor toPrime Minister on Climate Change and Special Assistant to Prime Minister on National Health Services,Regulations and Coordination. The PNNCC has four core functions: (i) Strategy & Policy (ii) Human CapitalDevelopment (iii) Monitoring & Impact Assessment (iv) Advocacy & Awareness Raising National NutritionForum (NNF) has been established in Planning Commission to provide leadership in harmonizing nutritioninterventions in the country. The forum is Chaired by Deputy Chairman Planning Commission and DeputyChief Nutrition/ SUN Focal Point is a member and secretary. The NNF will work on high level multi-sectoralnutrition Coordination and engaging relevant ministries/departments donors, development partners andother key stakeholders for synergies effect. Advocacy & awareness regarding the strategy for promotinghealthy dietary practices and knowledge sharing at various level. Stunting prevention through EarlyChildhood Development (1000 days window of opportunity) and adolescent girls nutrition. New initiativeshave been started under Ehsaas Programme (Social Safety Nets and Social Protection) Ministry of SocialProtection & Poverty Alleviation: Ehsaas Langar (Provision of ready to eat meal for the poorest segments ofsociety), Ehsaas Ration (Provision of food ration pack for vulnerable population in the wake of COVID-19crisis). SBN has moved forward with the updated strategy and now focusing on increasing membership. Aneffective internal coordination mechanism is in place. The membership of SBN has increased from 36 to 50after joining of 14 new SME’s in the reporting period. Multiple stakeholder coordination forums have beenestablished however there are only a few examples of where true coordination takes place. One example isof the Food Fortification Coordination group described above. SUN Civil Society Alliance Pakistan is fullyfunctional, with more than 164 members from all provinces and regions. SUNCSA Secretariat coordinateswith all its members at national and provincial level. The draft SUNCSA next 5-years strategy (2021-2025) isready which has included a guideline for decentralization of SUNCSA structure to the district level, inphased manner. Despite the COVID-19 during the pandemic, SUNCSA member organizations have beenclosely engaged with relevant government authorities for relief and response work. SUNCSA members haveactively mobilized philanthropy and are playing their role in COVID-19 relief activities at every level. SUNUN Network is currently active and led by World Food Programme (WFP). The network is providingTechnical, Financial and HR support to National SUN secretariat and most of the provincial SUN Units. Theyhave been actively involved in preparing Government’s response to COVID-19 pandemic and providingTechnical and financial support. The UN network members i.e. UNICEF, WFP, FAO and WHO has effectiveinternal coordination for scaling up nutrition efforts. It has made effective links with media, other SUNNetworks and most importantly the active engagement of parliamentarians. This is also helping to supporton SDGs progress. Moreover, new political government is influenced enough to position nutrition agendaas highest policy priority. SUNAR membership has increased from 46 to 54 Universities and ResearchInstitutions. Moreover, SUN and multi-sectoral strategies are owned by the highest government institutionsat federal and provincial level and have further progressed to make effective links with SDGs platforms.Efforts are being made to channel public finances in nutrition programming at federal and provincial level.The relevance of business engagement is increasingly recognized in multiple sectors and in provinces as aresult of increasing engagement. Multi-sectoral policies are being influenced through this MSP. Businessesare increasingly considering value in investing nutrition and healthy products by becoming a part of thisMSP. Nutrition appears a priority area for the new government, which also recognizes that a multisectoralapproach is needed. Donors are continuously working with government to reflect nutrition priority into theirannual development plans.


20

PROCESS 2: Ensuring a coherent policy and legal framework

Progress marker 2.1: Continuously analyse existing nutrition-relevant policies and legislation


3 No


The Ministries regularly reviews and updates key policy documents and plans. NutritionSection/National SUN Secretariat has reviewed 11th Five Year Plan (2013-18) and lessons learned havebeen incorporated into next 12th Five Year Plan (2018-23). Planning Commission prepared a draftEconomic Growth Strategy with Nutrition Chapter. During the reported period and COVID-19sensitive Annual workplan 2020 – 2021 having Nutrition Chapter in it. Provincial fortificationstrategies in some of the provinces/areas have been endorsed while in others its in process. TheNational Nutrition Action Plan to translate PMNS 2018-25 is under development which will guidedifferent relevant sectors to prioritize and implement nutrition interventions in short, medium andlong term basis. During the reporting period Early Childhood Mapping exercise and a high level policydialogue has been conducted. Based on the recommendation National and Provincial level andgovernance structures will be established to support the development of a comprehensive ECDpolicy framework including costed plans and program implementation. Similarly, in provinces policiesand legislations are being prepared and reviewed e.g. Social Protection Policy AJ&K has beenprepared and sent for the vetting of Law Department of AJ&K. SUNCSA has been part of national andsubnational consultation for reviewing different nutrition related policies, strategies and programs. Inthe reporting year SUNCSA has been actively participated in the consultation for Adolescent nutritionstrategy, Early Childhood Development (ECD) Strategy and national nutrition advocacy strategy atnational level. Some provinces are in process of revising multisectoral nutrition strategies inline withSUN 3.0 and other national and subnational priorities. SUNCSA has developed and shared policybriefs highlighting the gaps in policy and implementation at national and subnational level. SUNARmembers have reviewed national and provincial food and nutrition related laws and provided theirinputs to relevant bodies. This year SBN have prioritized identifying specific indicators on enablingenvironment. With Technical Assistance of SBN Global, a toolkit which identifies key areas have beendrafted to kick off and guide targeted conversations in Pakistan on business enabling environment.Internal discussions (with businesses and with SUN focal point) are ongoing on key policy andregulatory changes in multiple sectors required for enabling business to act and invest in nutrition.SBN has formed an enabling environment working group within the network to work on this.


21


Progress marker 2.2: Continuously engage in advocacy toinfluence the development, updating and dissemination ofrelevant policy and legal frameworks


3 No


SUN is building capacity of the relevant government departments and advocating for initiating andscaling-up nutrition sensitive and nutrition specific interventions. Through DFID supported FoodFortification Program (FFP), advocacy is ongoing with parliamentarians and government to ensurefortification is made mandatory through legislation along with WFP and GAIN. National NutritionSurvey (NNS) 2018 preliminary findings have been launched and the results are being used bydifferent networks to advocate and promote the nutrition agenda. SUNCSA has undertaken extensiveadvocacy at national and subnational level for nutrition policy prioritization and implementation ofnutrition programs. Fourteen new Parliamentary Nutrition Champions were engaged from across thepolitical spectrum. Advocacy with policy and decision makers focused on providing a constitutionalcover to food and nutrition security as fundamental right and establishing a parliamentary oversightmechanism for nutrition policy and program implementation. Parliamentary Task Force on SDGs havebeen engaged for above mentioned purpose with very encouraging results. Parliamentariansexpressed their support and resolve for addressing nutrition challenge facing Pakistan. The SUNARPak and its partners have advocated for addressing equity in accessing nutrition especially for womenand girls. They also provide technical info to members elected representatives to generate debate inNational and Provincial Assemblies. During this period, SBN brought multiple stakeholders togetherto discuss the key policy and regulatory changes required to address the issue of industriallyproduced trans-fat in the food chains. SBN conducted a panel discussion on innovations andsupporting SMEs for improved nutrition and highlighted the issue of not investing in innovations.


22


Progress marker 2.3: Develop or update coherent policies andlegal frameworks through coordinated and harmonised in-country stakeholder efforts


3 No


ECD mapping exercise and high-level policy dialogue have been carried out to pave way for thedevelopment of Early Childhood Development Policy Framework with the support of UNICEF andother partners. Multi-sectoral National Nutrition Action Plan and Multi-sectoral National NutritionInformation System has also been initiated with the support of WFP and other partners inconsultation with the Provinces and Areas. Partners are supporting technically to developmentNational Food Security Policy 2018, Sindh Agriculture policy. UN is working towards REPLACEintervention for developing advocacy strategies and regulations towards trans fatty acids, sugars andsalts. SBN network coordinating efforts between industry and other stakeholders around transfattyacid removal from food products and SBN offers technical assistance to the local industry through itsglobal members to remove rans fat from food chains. Based on the demonstration of workplacenutrition program by SBN Pakistan a toolkit for private sector/industries to implement workplacenutrition. This policy toolkit will be used by SBN members as an influencing tool for privatesector/industries awareness on nutrition at large. SUNCSA Pakistan has advocated for formulationand enactment of Food Fortification laws. Nutrition International, the convener and secretariat ofSUNCSA, has been providing technical support to national and provincial governments for theformulation of nutrition policies, strategies, action plans and regulations. National Nutrition Advocacystrategy is one such example. In the wake of COVID-19, SUNCSA has advocated and contributed forthe development of minimum essential nutrition package guideline for relief packages.


23


Progress marker 2.4: Operationalise/enforce legal frameworks


3 No


During the reporting period Food Authorities have extended their role to additional districts. With thesupport of TAN food authorities are being established/revitalized in one province and area. One Areahas drafted document of food fortification legislation. Work is in progress regarding labeling andpackaging of food to create demand for nutritious and safe food. SBN has adopted a policy to givemembership to only those companies who comply with the WHO\\\'s standards on breast milk.Although operationalization and enforcement of legal framework is beyond SUNCSA\\\'s mandate,but the Alliance has been advocating at the national and subnational level for enforcement andimplementation of multisectoral nutrition strategies. Implementation of multisectoral nutritionstrategies has been the main stay of SUNCSA\\\'s advocacy engagement with decision makers atnational and subnational levels. SUNCSA members and secretariat have been actively engaging withSUN Units at federal and provincial level. SUNCSA members capacity building has also been gearedtowards increasing their abilities to collaborate with relevant government departments forimplementation of nutrition sensitive and specific programs. SUNCSA member organization atprovincial level also making efforts for identifying gap in the existing Breastfeeding laws andreporting the same with relevant government officials. They are also advocating for implementationof BMS code. SBN is only involved in trans-fatty acid regulations implementation. SBN has identifiedreformulation of food products as commitment area and many businesses have identified it aspotential actions. There is more to be done around reformulation of products and create support andincentive mechanism to reduce excess level sugar and salt along with trans fats.


24


Progress marker 2.5: Track and report for learning andsustaining the policy and legislative impact


3 No


Regular reviews and evaluation, sharing of evidences and case studies. Pakistan Dietary Guidelinesfor better Nutrition was revised and launched in 2019 during the reporting period. Regular monitoringof the existing programs is carried out and the learnings are shared across networks and otherrelevant authorities CSA members in different regions were part of consultation process with thegovernment and policy makers for reviewing policies and programs and to identify best practices andlessons for addressing malnutrition in contextualized manner. The learnings are shared by CSAmembers within themselves during regular SUNCSA Pak meetings. The best practices are alsoadvocated with the relevant government departments and policy makers for sustaining andmaximizing the impact. SUNAR members are part of relevant government committees which areresponsible to review the progress on implementation of food and nutrition related laws. SUNARmembers contribute at technical forums as per their knowledge and evidence generated throughdifferent studies.


25


SUMMARY: Ensuring a coherent policy and legal framework

Please describe overall achievements, positive developments, key challenges and suggestions forimprovement towards bringing people together in the same space seen the past year (April 2019 - April2020). Note that this section will be used to draft your individual country profiles in the SUN Movementannual progress report.

The Ministries regularly reviews and updates key policy documents and plans. NutritionSection/National SUN Secretariat has reviewed 11th Five Year Plan (2013-18) and lessons learned havebeen incorporated into next 12th Five Year Plan (2018-23). Planning Commission prepared a draftEconomic Growth Strategy with Nutrition Chapter. During the reported period and COVID-19 sensitiveAnnual workplan 2020 – 2021 having Nutrition Chapter in it. Provincial fortification strategies in some ofthe provinces/areas have been endorsed while in others its in process. The National Nutrition Action Planto translate PMNS 2018-25 is under development which will guide different relevant sectors to prioritizeand implement nutrition interventions in short, medium and long term basis. During the reporting periodEarly Childhood Mapping exercise and a high level policy dialogue has been conducted. Based on therecommendation National and Provincial level and governance structures will be established to supportthe development of a comprehensive ECD policy framework including costed plans and programimplementation. Some provinces are in process of revising multisectoral nutrition strategies inline withSUN 3.0 and other national and subnational priorities. SUNCSA has undertaken extensive advocacy atnational and subnational level for nutrition policy prioritization and implementation of nutritionprograms. Fourteen new Parliamentary Nutrition Champions were engaged from across the politicalspectrum. Advocacy with policy and decision makers focused on providing a constitutional cover to foodand nutrition security as fundamental right and establishing a parliamentary oversight mechanism fornutrition policy and program implementation. Parliamentary Task Force on SDGs have been engaged forabove mentioned purpose with very encouraging results. Parliamentarians expressed their support andresolve for addressing nutrition challenge facing Pakistan. During this period, SBN brought multiplestakeholders together to discuss the key policy and regulatory changes required to address the issue ofindustrially produced trans-fat in the food chains. SBN conducted a panel discussion on innovations andsupporting SMEs for improved nutrition and highlighted the issue of not investing in innovations. ECDmapping exercise and high-level policy dialogue have been carried out to pave way for the developmentof Early Childhood Development Policy Framework with the support of UNICEF and other partners.Multi-sectoral National Nutrition Action Plan and Multi-sectoral National Nutrition Information Systemhas also been initiated with the support of WFP and other partners in consultation with the Provinces andAreas. During the reporting period Food Authorities have extended their role to additional districts. Withthe support of TAN food authorities are being established/revitalized in one province and area. One Areahas drafted document of food fortification legislation. Work is in progress regarding labeling andpackaging of food to create demand for nutritious and safe food. SBN has adopted a policy to givemembership to only those companies who comply with the WHO\\\'s standards on breast milk.


26

PROCESS 3: Aligning actions around common results

Progress marker 3.1: Continuously analyse existing nutrition-relevant policies and legislation


3 No


National Nutrition Action Plan is in development process to translate Pakistan Multisectoral NutritionStrategy 2018-19 and key short, medium and long term actions will be agreed to plan, implement andtrack across the sectors and stakeholders. Nutrition specific programs are undergoing in all provinceshowever investments on nutrition sensitive are also on rise. Provincial/area SUN Units arecoordinating with SDGs units to align their plans/strategies and activities such as financial tracking ofongoing nutrition specific and sensitive projects reflected in the ADP 2019-20 based on PC-1 has beeninitiated. Some provinces are in process of revising/aligning multisectoral strategies with national andinternational strategies such SUN 3.0 and targets. UN network is fully aligned with national prioritiesthrough development of country strategies and plans. Inter-sectoral nutrition strategies exist in allprovinces and regions aligned with national nutrition targets and policies. SBN has started to takeidentify clear actions for businesses. Workplace nutrition is a new area that is initiated by leadbusinesses form SBN platform with a vision to take it forward as best practice for workplace in termsof both increased nutrition and workplace productivity. Mappings of donor and partner activitieshave been undertaken by the Nutrition Development Partners group (includes programming by WB,DFID, UN, EU, FAO, WFP and others). However, it has not informed the design of a plan which wouldhelp to align partner actions. SUNCSA has developed its inclusive, annual work plan which is alignedwith national goals and policies around nutrition Global SUN Strategy, SDGs and provincial multi-sectoral nutrition strategies. SUN-CSA members have designed and implemented projects alignedwith national target and policies. In addition, several meetings are organized with provincialgovernments to review progress on multi-sectoral nutrition strategies


27


Progress marker 3.2: Translate policy and legal frameworks intoan actionable Common Results Framework (CRF) for scaling upnutrition at the national and sub-national level


3 No


The advocacy on nutrition as multi-sectoral subject is well understood by all stakeholders. A draftmultisectoral nutrition action plan has been developed in consultation with all the provinces/areasand nutrition partners. Public finances against public sector projects are being influenced by multi-sectoral nutrition strategies in the provinces whereas allocation of resources is also seen in majorsocial protection schemes like “EHSAAS” at federal level as well. SBN has developed its theory ofchange and strategy which is linked with the national nutrition priorities. The implementation plan isalso developed in collaboration with SUN and approved by Executive Committee of SBN andendorsed by General Body. The identified interventions are cost for the period. CRF is beingdeveloped by business network. Business related actions are being incorporated in the CRF. SBN hasis monitoring and evaluation systems and database for tracking and reporting actions of businessmembers is developed. SUNCSA has developed its inclusive work plan for next year, which is alignedwith the national and provincial nutrition strategies, and nutrition goals. SUNCSA will continue toadvocate for cohesive efforts to follow CRF. SUNCSA next 5-year strategy will chalk out acomprehensive and phased road map for operationalizing the agreed upon targets derived fromnational Common Results Framework. SUNAR has prioritized a set of activities which are feasible andhelpful in achieving agenda of SUN. SUNAR is supporting relevant bodies through technical backingrequired for implementation of nutrition related policies, programs and laws. The MSP in the countryhas done remarkable job defining and enabling understanding of the role of each involvedstakeholder in the MSP. However, there is no common M&E system to track multi-stakeholderactions. Each network, including SBN, has its own results and progress tracking mechanism which isthen reported at national MSP level as well as global Network Level.


28


Progress marker 3.3: Organise and implement annual prioritiesas per the Common Results Framework


3 No


The government networks prepare annual plans at National and Provincial/area levels to support theprograms by providing technical guidance and coordination to align with their respective multi-sectoral strategies. Provinces have developed nutrition specific and nutrition sensitive programsthrough annual development plans based on priorities in their multisectoral plans of strategies.However, capacities at program development and implementation level has remained a challenge.UN Networks annual work plans are in place and fully aligned with national priorities. Moreover, UNNutrition Network has transited from OPII to OPIII with dedicated nutrition outcomes fully alignedwith SDGs. Business level activities are being implemented as per network strategy and aligned withthe national priorities and global guidance. Despite some coordination and collaboration gapsbetween SUNCSA members, SUNCSA has successfully implemented their agreed upon annualworkplan, thus contributing towards the national progress for improved nutrition. More than 1300nutrition sensitive activities were conducted and reported against the initially planned 225 activities.SUNCSA members have been the main drivers behind developing nutrition awareness at communitylevel and prioritization of nutrition at policy level. SUNCSA members have also collaborated withother nutrition stakeholders especially the government departments for supporting theimplementation of nutrition programs. SUNCSA new five years strategy (2021-2025) has a detailedframework to improve coordination and engagement of members with secretariat and amongmembers. Although SUNAR members don’t have any direct role in implementation of CommonResults Framework, however SUNAR members have been extending technical support to governmentand private institutions for implementation of multisectoral nutrition interventions by suggestingfeasible short term and long-term actions. The activities of SBN are prioritized with the coordinationof SUN which reflect national nutrition strategies and plan. The gaps are clearly identified and actionare ongoing to create awareness and capacitate private sector. There is need to further acceleratethe actions on in implementation. SUN networks have developed comprehensive action plans toimplement common result framework, however, domestic resource allocations are required toimplement those plans.


29


Progress marker 3.4: Jointly monitor priority actions as per theCommon Results Framework


3 No


The government is monitoring nutrition interventions at departmental levels and in some provincesunder SUN jointly with other relevant departments such as health etc. At National level, review of allprovincial programs being conducted every year along with review on provincial strategies with crosslearning of all provinces. Some provinces/areas have sectoral nutrition action plans which aremonitored through Common Result Framework. Under Ehsaas programme a nutrition dashboard hasbeen developed and a multi sectoral nutrition information management system will be established byNutrition Section/SUN Secretariat Planning Commission. Provincial Nutrition Activities/ Progress areshared through Joint Annual Assessment. However, there is no formal joint monitoring mechanism atthe national level. But at networks level there are some mechanisms exists. for example, within UN amonitoring mechanism is in place under the joint programming of One-UN. Furthermore, as part ofthe multisectoral strategies, monitoring framework is finalized. DFID also contributes to a Multi-Donor Trust Fund with the World Bank, on a project co-financed by the Government of Sindh tosupport WASH interventions in 13 districts. This involves joint implementation missions, and theproject will also have an impact evaluation. SUNCSA EC regularly reviewed the progress against theAlliance’s strategic work plan, as well as within the broader context of CRF. SUNCSA has also beenpart of national, provincial and local level consultations for reviewing addressing malnutrition. Usuallydonor/co-funded projects are monitored by the third party, however, there is need toevaluate/review implementation of Multi Sectoral Nutrition Strategies at national and provincial level.There is need to build capacity of provincial P&D Departments for effective result-based monitoring.


30


Progress marker 3.5: Evaluate the implementation of actions tounderstand, achieve and sustain nutrition impact


3 No


Government evaluate its programs annually by Planning Commission at the time of writing annualplan chapter for every sector and so as for nutrition. There is also a strong mechanism at thegovernment level to evaluate the public sector programs and there is a separate independentstructure of monitoring & evaluation. However, these exercises carried out project wise/sector wise.The extensions and closure instructions can be issued based on their program delivery achievements.UN NETWORK supported program reviews, surveys and evaluations on regular basis. Moreover,coverage surveys were also conducted time to time and results disseminated at national andinternational level. Nutrition Working Group Bulletin disseminated. The Food Fortification Program(FFP) has an operational research component which informs program delivery. It has also formed aResearch and Technical Advisory Group which oversees the quality of this research. Scientificevidence for effectiveness of Multisectoral nutrition interventions and models has been compiled,published and shared as a nutrition focused edition of Pakistan Journal of Public Health with thecollaboration of Health Services Academy, Pakistan. SUNCSA has been using the evidence generatedby government and other stakeholders on the effectiveness and impact of different strategies forimproving nutrition status. CSA members undertake evaluation of their programs and actions forevaluating the impact. The main finding of SUNCSA’s annual review meeting is need for increasedfocus on implementation of national and provincial multisectoral nutrition strategies. Complementinggovernment programs for reducing malnutrition is the main focus of SUNCSA next 5-years strategyas well. SUNAR members have actively participated in program reviews and elevations. They haveprovided their feedback for effective implementation of different nutrition programs. Their feedbackwas well received by program implementers. SBN has done its evaluation in 2019 in which Pakistan asa country was included. Changes have been proposed and incorporating under the new phase ofSBN.


31


SUMMARY: Aligning actions around common results


National Nutrition Action Plan is in development process to translate Pakistan Multisectoral NutritionStrategy 2018-19 and key short, medium and long term actions will be agreed to plan, implement andtrack across the sectors and stakeholders. Nutrition specific programs are undergoing in all provinceshowever investments on nutrition sensitive are also on rise. Provincial/area SUN Units are coordinatingwith SDGs units to align their plans/strategies and activities such as financial tracking of ongoingnutrition specific and sensitive projects reflected in the ADP 2019-20 based on PC-1 has been initiated.Some provinces are in process of revising/aligning multisectoral strategies with national andinternational strategies such SUN 3.0 and targets. SBN has started to take identify clear actions forbusinesses. Workplace nutrition is a new area that is initiated by lead businesses form SBN platform witha vision to take it forward as best practice for workplace in terms of both increased nutrition andworkplace productivity. SUNCSA has developed its inclusive, annual work plan which is aligned withnational goals and policies around nutrition Global SUN Strategy, SDGs and provincial multi-sectoralnutrition strategies. The government networks prepare annual plans at National and Provincial/arealevels to support the programs by providing technical guidance and coordination to align with theirrespective multi-sectoral strategies. Provinces have developed nutrition specific and nutrition sensitiveprograms through annual development plans based on priorities in their multisectoral plans of strategies.However, capacities at program development and implementation level has remained a challenge. SUNnetworks have developed comprehensive action plans to implement common result framework,however, domestic resource allocations are required to implement those plans. Under Ehsaasprogramme a nutrition dashboard has been developed and a multi sectoral nutrition informationmanagement system will be established by Nutrition Section/SUN Secretariat Planning Commission.Provincial Nutrition Activities/ Progress are shared through Joint Annual Assessment. However, there isno formal joint monitoring mechanism at the national level. But at networks level there are somemechanisms exists. Usually donor/co-funded projects are monitored by the third party, however, there isneed to evaluate/review implementation of Multi Sectoral Nutrition Strategies at national and provinciallevel. There is need to build capacity of provincial P&D Departments for effective result-basedmonitoring.


32

PROCESS 4: Financial tracking and resource mobilisation

Progress marker 4.1: Cost and assess the financial feasibility ofthe Common Results Framework (CRF)


3 No


During appraisal of nutrition related project in the public sector, unit cost per beneficiary iscalculated and used to assess the feasibility of the project. In the reporting period National SUNSecretariat has not carried out the financial tracking of public financing for nutrition. However, someprovinces/areas carried out financial tracking. The government is trying to build consensus onweightage formula to gage nutrition share in sensitive programing which has been a challenge. SUNSecretariat/Nutrition Section with the support of UNICEF and other partners is planning to developnutrition markers building upon the existing draft markers. These markers will help track the nutritionshare in sensitive programing. However, World Bank has developed a nutrition expenditure trackingsystem for two provinces. Selective components of multi sectoral nutrition strategies are costed,however, there is need to develop comprehensive costed action plan covering all relevant sectors.


33


Progress marker 4.2: Track and report on financing for nutrition


3 No


In the reporting period National SUN Secretariat/Nutrition Section has not carried out the financialtracking of public financing for nutrition. However, some provinces/areas carried out financialtracking and they are sharing data as appropriate.


34


Progress marker 4.3: Scale up and align resources includingaddressing financial shortfalls


3 No


The government is making considerable efforts to mobilize additional funds to fill in the gap. Numberof new multisectoral nutrition programs have been started by the government and allocated funds tosustain existing programs such as integrated health program. The national government is also startednumber of new initiatives under ministry of social protection & poverty alleviation such as: Ehsaasration programme (dry ration) for the poor population; soup kitchen programme/langar (hot meal forthe poorest and most vulnerable segments of the society especially daily wage laborers; assettransfer programme (giving away of small assets such livestock agriculture inputs and inputs for smallretail outlets and small enterprises to those who live below the poverty line); Ehsaas emergency cashprogramme (to overcome the economic hardship being experienced by the vulnerable due toCOVID-19 crisis so that they can buy rations). More efforts have been made to enhance public sectorbudget allocation for nutrition specific and sensitive projects. SUNCSA is advocating for increasedbudget allocations for nutrition specific and nutrition sensitive programs and optimal utilization ofallocated resources for nutrition sensitive interventions in sectoral allocations. SUNCSA\\\'sadvocacy focused on finding innovative solution to resource crunch in the face of prevailing difficulteconomic situation and reduction in overall development budget. Nutrition related resourcemobilization is an important area of focus for SUNCSA Pakistan next 5-years strategy (2021-2025).SBN Pakistan continuously working on exploring new funding to support scale up existing andsupport new interventions under the with the support of co-conveners and global network support.So far SBN has secured funding for the June 2021. Human Capital Investment Project (HCIP) is beinglaunched in Punjab, focusing on social protection during early 1000 days of life with the support ofthe World Bank. Some federal level nutrition program including nutrition improvement initiative,nutrition awareness program and malnutrition induced stunting in Pakistan are being developed.


35


Progress marker 4.4: Turn pledges into disbursements


3 No


Regular disbursement of funds for approved nutrition specific and nutrition sensitive projects arebeing reflected in Annual Development Plan are met within due course of time. Pledges made by theUN Network for their disbursements were realized and were reported accordingly under One - UN.Financial aid is agreed through disbursement-linked indicators. If the government achieves certaintargets, disbursements are then released to them in a timely manner. SBN supporting stakeholdersincluding co-conveners fully support its actions in terms of providing required support and finance.Secondly, our all members who had made commitments to implement actions have translated thecommitment into action in 2019-20. There is a need to make the commitments smarter which we didin 2019-20 and accelerating the commitment to actions.


36


Progress marker 4.5: Ensure predictability of multi-year fundingto sustain implementation results and nutrition impact


3 No


The Government of Pakistan has set nutrition as its priority area and accordingly financing of nutritionactions seems on rise and is evident through provincial action plans. Some provinces sustainednutrition programing through their regular funding/public finance. One province has developedsustainable development strategy (SDS) 2019-2023 which has been aligned with the SDGtargets/development road map to be achieved in the next five years. Government of Pakistan haslaunched a multi-year Poverty Alleviation Program ‘Ehsaas’, which mainly focus on poverty reductionand social protection. Nutrition and Food Security are major components of the Program. SBN has 2-year funding to facilitate network activities. Over the time businesses will be convinced to take theownership of the network and run operations. SUNCSA, Pak members have been advocating forsecuring financial commitments by provincial governments. Financial commitments have been madeby different donors for addressing malnutrition emergency situation in Balochistan. However, thefunding of medium and small scale CSOs has become limited and inconsistent in the last year,effecting their capacity to work. The resource constraints for nutrition has further tightened in thewake of COVID-19, as resources from almost all the sectors have been diverted to pandemic relief,response and recovery. The global situation is quite uncertain, making the funding situationunpredictable. This has put years of work for nutrition mainstreaming at risk. SBN members areincreasing to support and the co-conveners have full commitment to ensure resources forengagement and providing support to business to covert commitment into actions.


37


SUMMARY: Financial tracking and Resource mobilisation


During appraisal of nutrition related project in the public sector, unit cost per beneficiary is calculatedand used to assess the feasibility of the project. In the reporting period National SUN Secretariat has notcarried out the financial tracking of public financing for nutrition. However, some provinces/areascarried out financial tracking. The government is trying to build consensus on weightage formula to gagenutrition share in sensitive programing which has been a challenge. SUN Secretariat/Nutrition Sectionwith the support of UNICEF and other partners is planning to develop nutrition markers building uponthe existing draft markers. These markers will help track the nutrition share in sensitive programing.However, World Bank has developed a nutrition expenditure tracking system for two provinces.Selective components of multi sectoral nutrition strategies are costed, however, there is need to developcomprehensive costed action plan covering all relevant sectors. The government is making considerableefforts to mobilize additional funds to fill in the gap. Number of new multisectoral nutrition programshave been started by the government and allocated funds to sustain existing programs such asintegrated health program. The national government is also started number of new initiatives underministry of social protection & poverty alleviation such as: Ehsaas ration programme (dry ration) for thepoor population; soup kitchen programme/langar (hot meal for the poorest and most vulnerablesegments of the society especially daily wage laborers; asset transfer programme (giving away of smallassets such livestock agriculture inputs and inputs for small retail outlets and small enterprises to thosewho live below the poverty line); Ehsaas emergency cash programme (to overcome the economichardship being experienced by the vulnerable due to COVID-19 crisis so that they can buy rations). Moreefforts have been made to enhance public sector budget allocation for nutrition specific and sensitiveprojects. SBN Pakistan continuously working on exploring new funding to support scale up existing andsupport new interventions under the with the support of co-conveners and global network support. Sofar SBN has secured funding for the June 2021. Human Capital Investment Project (HCIP) is beinglaunched in Punjab, focusing on social protection during early 1000 days of life with the support of theWorld Bank. Some federal level nutrition program including nutrition improvement initiative, nutritionawareness program and malnutrition induced stunting in Pakistan are being developed. The Governmentof Pakistan has set nutrition as its priority area and accordingly financing of nutrition actions seems onrise and is evident through provincial action plans. Some provinces sustained nutrition programingthrough their regular funding/public finance. One province has developed sustainable developmentstrategy (SDS) 2019-2023 which has been aligned with the SDG targets/development road map to beachieved in the next five years. Government of Pakistan has launched a multi-year Poverty AlleviationProgram ‘Ehsaas’, which mainly focus on poverty reduction and social protection. Nutrition and FoodSecurity are major components of the Program.


38

Outcome marker

Outcome marker summary: Scaling up nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitiveinterventions

The Pakistan National Nutrition Coordination Council (PNNCC) has been created and the PrimeMinister chairs the council with six ministers as its members reflecting both a multisectoral constructas well as high political commitment to address malnutrition. The ministers included are SpecialAssistant to Prime Minister on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Minister for National FoodSecurity & Research, Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance & Revenue, Minister for Commerce,Advisor to Prime Minister on Climate Change and Special Assistant to Prime Minister on NationalHealth Services, Regulations and Coordination. The PNNCC has four core functions: (i) Strategy &Policy (ii) Human Capital Development (iii) Monitoring & Impact Assessment (iv) Advocacy &Awareness Raising National Nutrition Forum (NNF) has been established in Planning Commission toprovide leadership in harmonizing nutrition interventions in the country. The forum is Chaired byDeputy Chairman Planning Commission and Deputy Chief Nutrition/ SUN Focal Point is a memberand secretary. The NNF will work on high level multi-sectoral nutrition Coordination and engagingrelevant ministries/departments donors, development partners and other key stakeholders forsynergies effect. Advocacy & awareness regarding the strategy for promoting healthy dietarypractices and knowledge sharing at various level. Stunting prevention through Early ChildhoodDevelopment (1000 days window of opportunity) and adolescent girls nutrition. During the reportingperiod Early Childhood Mapping exercise and a high level policy dialogue has been conducted. Basedon the recommendation National and Provincial level and governance structures will be establishedto support the development of a comprehensive ECD policy framework including costed plans andprogram implementation. The government is making considerable efforts to mobilize additional fundsto fill in the gap. Number of new multisectoral nutrition programs have been started by thegovernment and allocated funds to sustain existing programs such as integrated health program. Thenational government is also started number of new initiatives under ministry of social protection &poverty alleviation such as: Ehsaas ration programme (dry ration) for the poor population; soupkitchen programme/langar (hot meal for the poorest and most vulnerable segments of the societyespecially daily wage laborers; asset transfer programme (giving away of small assets such livestockagriculture inputs and inputs for small retail outlets and small enterprises to those who live below thepoverty line); Ehsaas emergency cash programme (to overcome the economic hardship beingexperienced by the vulnerable due to COVID-19 crisis so that they can buy rations). During thereporting period Food Authorities have extended their role to additional districts. With the support ofTAN food authorities are being established/revitalized in one province and area. One Area hasdrafted document of food fortification legislation. SBN has moved forward with the updated strategyand now focusing on increasing membership. An effective internal coordination mechanism is inplace. The membership of SBN has increased from 36 to 50 after joining of 14 new SME’s in thereporting period.


39

Pooled fund

Has your country received SUN Pooled Fund support?

Yes

If yes, how have these projects contributed to overall progress in achieving theSUN Strategic Objectives (1. Expand and sustain an enabling politicalenvironment; 2. Prioritise and institutionalise effective actions that contributeto good nutrition; 3. Implement effective actions aligned with common results,and; 4. Effectively use, and significantly increase, financial resources fornutrition)?

SUN Pooled Funds support has enabled SUNCSA Pakistan to function as a Network. The essentialresources needed for coordination and joint Alliance led activities have been possible because of SUNPooled Funds. With this support SUNCSA has built upon the policy advocacy gains for mainstreaming nutrition. Fourteen new Parliamentary Nutrition Champions have committed their supportfor furthering nutrition agenda. Parliamentarians have been engaged and mobilized forinstitutionalizing nutrition oversight at the parliamentary level. Policy and decision makers werebrought together with nutrition stakeholders from across the country for highlighting importance ofnutrition implementation at National Nutrition Conference. Policy briefs have been developed andshared with stakeholders for fulfilling policy and implementation gaps. Scientific evidence forMultisectoral nutrition interventions and models has been compiled, published and shared as anutrition focused edition of Pakistan Journal of Public Health with the collaboration of HealthServices Academy, Pakistan. SUNCSA have been coordinating with national and provincial SUN Unitsfor implementation of Common Results Framework. Alliance members are also part of DistrictMalnutrition Addressing Committees, the operational mechanism for monitoring implementation ofMultisectoral Nutrition Strategies. SUNCSA members have been capacitated for implementation ofnutrition sensitive programing and advocacy, to enable them for improved contribution in nutritioninterventions.


40

SUN Business Network

1.

Does the country have a network, forum or platform where the private sector coordinatestheir nutrition actions?

Yes

2.If yes, what is the name of this network, forum or platform?

SUN Business Network Pakistan

3.

If yes, what is the name and contact details of the convener?

Name: Mr. Noor Alam KhanStakeholder group: Private SectorOrganisation: Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)Job title: Coordinator SBNEmail: [email protected]

4.

If yes, does it have a strategy developed and aligned with the national nutrition plan?

Yes

5.

If yes, does it have funding secured for at least the next 6 months?

Yes

6.

If the country has not established a network, forum or platform, does the multi-stakeholderplatform work with the private sector/businesses, at large?

Not applicable as a Network has been established

Explanation: n/a

7.

Is the role of the private sector defined or included in the national nutrition action plan?

Yes

8.

Key contributions of the private sector/businesses towards the SUN Movement strategicobjectives in 2019-2020

..


41

SUN Civil Society Network

1.

Does the country have a network, forum or platform where the private sector coordinatestheir nutrition actions?

Yes


Scaling Up Nutrition Civil Society Alliance (SUNCSA) Pakistan

3.


Name: Dr. Shabina RazaStakeholder group: Civil SocietyOrganisation: Nutrition InternationalJob title: Country DirectorEmail: [email protected]

4.

If the country has not established a network, forum or platform, does the multi-stakeholderplatform work with civil society, at large?

Yes

5.

Please explain:

SUNCSA is member of Multi-stakeholder platform and regularly participate in MSP meetings,organized by National SUN secretariat. SUNCSA members are engaged in the implementationof nutrition interventions with government, development partners and UN agencies. Oneexample of working with multistakeholder platform is the National Nutrition Conferencehosted by SUNCSA in which representatives of all other SUN networks - Government, Donor,UN, Academia and Research, Business - participated, shared their learning and best practicesfor addressing the malnutrition challenge facing Pakistan. The Conference got support andendorsement from the highest policy level and was inaugurated by the honorable President ofPakistan.

6.

Key contributions of civil society towards the SUN Movement strategic objectives in2019-2020

- Enhanced and strengthened nutrition policy prioritization at national and sub-national level -Advocated and contributed to a nutrition sensitive response to COVID-19, highlighting theessentiality of nutrition in the time of pandemic - Contributed and supported governmentauthorities for implementation of multisectoral nutrition strategies - Technical capacitybuilding of member CSOs for nutrition programming and advocacy


42

SUN Donor Network

1.

Does the country have a network, forum or platform where donors coordinate their nutrition actions?

Yes


Pakistan SUN Donor Network

3.


Name: Ali MirzaStakeholder group: EU, DFAT, DFIDOrganisation: World Bank, PakistanJob title: Health SpecialistEmail: [email protected]

4.

If the country has not established a network, forum or platform, does the multi-stakeholder platform work with donors, at large?

Yes

5.Please explain:

n.a

6.

Key contributions of donors towards the SUN Movement strategic objectives in 2019-2020

World Bank, Pakistan: The World how Bank has been engaged in the nutrition space since more than a decade and has helped in supporting the provinces on nutrition specific interventions through the Enhanced Nutrition for Mothers and Children Project for Mothers and children, and at the policy level helped in developing Nutrition Policy Guidance notes and Intersectoral nutrition strategies at the Provincial level. The Bank also , led a high level policydialogue on Stunting at the Federal and provincial levels. This eventually paved the way for the Sindh Enhanced Response to Reduce Stunting project, which is currently on-going in the most vulnerable districts of Sindh. Through this Project, the Bank has continued to support and contribute to the reduction of the stunting rate among children under 5 years of age by targeting the most affected districts in the Province of Sindh. This has mainly involvedactivities geared towards expanding access to a multi-sectoral package of services for reducing stunting. In addition, support has been ongoing for strengthening key cross-cutting nutrition-related interventions and project management, particularly by strengthening coordination, collaboration and feedback between the different sectors in AAP and target beneficiary populations as well as the establishment of a provincial nutrition steering committee.DFAT: Australia continued to support improved nutritional outcomes for pregnant women and children in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2019-20. Australia’s contribution supported provincial nutrition development plans, and was channeled through the World Bank’s Pakistan Partnership for Improved Nutrition Multi Donor Trust Fund for Nutrition – a vehicle to pool together financial and technical support from multiple donors. The key objectives ofthe program included addressing general malnutrition in women and children under 5 years, as well as improving household-level awareness and behaviors for better nutrition outcomes. DFID (Now FCDO):DFID\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s major contributions for the duration 2019-2020 have included supporting national Food Fortification Programme (FFP) which aims to provide sustainable supply of high-quality wheat flour fortified with iron, folic acid, zinc and vitamin B12 and edible oil/ghee fortified with vitamins A and D. In addition they have improved public sector management of provincial food fortification programmes; provided support forlegislation and technical capacity building and raised public awareness of the nutritional benefit of fortified food. They have also been involved in nutrition specific interventions in Sindh , Baluchistan and KP and nutrition sensitive ( WASH) interventions in Sindh through WB implemented MDTF arrangement.


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Academia, science and research institutes

1.

Does the country have a network, forum or platform where academia, science and researchinstitutes coordinate their nutrition actions?

Yes


SUN Academia & Research Network Pakistan (SUNAR, Pak)

3.


Name: Muhammad IrshadEmail: [email protected]

4.

If the country has not established a network, forum or platform, does the multi-stakeholderplatform work with academia, scientists and researchers, at large?

Not applicable as a Network has been established

5.Please explain:

NA

6.

Key contributions of academia, science and research institutes towards the SUN Movementstrategic objectives in 2019-2020

n


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Status of past priorities

# Status of past priorities Yes/ No/ In progress

1.Establish a high-level forum led by the Government in order toimprove inter-provincial and inter-ministerial coordination

Yes

2. Multi-sectoral Nutrition Information Management System In progress

3.Tapping the potential Small and Medium Enterprise in promotingnutritious products

In progress

4. Strengthen Food Regulatory Authorities at the sub-national level Yes

5.Development of Multi-sectoral National Nutrition Action Plan andadvocacy for implementation and scale-up

In progress

6.Development of Early Childhood Development (ECD) PolicyFramework & Plan of Action

In progress


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Support given to meet priorities

1.

Who supported you to meet your priorities?

The Government,The UN,Civil society organisations,Private sector,Academia,Nationaltechnical assistance providers,International technical assistance providers,SUN global supportsystem (Networks or SUN Secretariat)

2.

How did stakeholders (the Government, the UN, civil society organisations, donors, privatesector, etc.) contribute to meeting these priorities? Please explain:

Through technical and financial assistance, advocacy and coordination

3.

Do you need support to meet your priorities?

Yes

4.If yes, whose support you will be seeking and for what?

Technical, financial and advocacy

5.

Can you think of a key achievement or highlight seen in scaling up nutrition since yourcountry joined the Movement?

1. High level nutrition coordination forums under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister andDeputy Chairman Planning Commission 2. Inclusion of Nutrition in the manifesto of mainpolitical parties 3. Public sector financing for nutrition


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2020-2021 priorities

Please list the key priorities of the multi-stakeholder platform for 2020-2021 (max 6)

# Priority

1. Development of National Nutrition Policy

2.Costing and finalization of Multi-sectoral National Nutrition Action Plan and advocacy forimplementation and scale-up

3. Development of Early Childhood Development (ECD) Policy Framework & Plan of Action

4. Development of Multi-sectoral Nutrition Information Management System

5.Tapping the potential Small and Medium Enterprise in developing & promoting nutritiousproducts

6. Development of National Nutrition Awareness Program


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Scaling up nutrition at the sub-national level

1.

Does the MSP exist at the sub-national level?

Yes

2.

If so, in how many counties, districts or regions?

Counties Districts Regions

2 46 2

3.Who convenes the MSP at the sub-national level? Please explain, if applicable:

Planning & Development Department, Government

4.

Is there regular communication between the national and sub-national MSPs?

Yes

5.

Does the MSP at the sub-national level meet regularly?

Yes

6.

Which Governmental sectors work with the MSP at the sub-national level? Please explain, ifapplicable

Planning & Development departments

7.

Does the sub-national multi-stakeholder platform or platforms work with civil society,business, the UN and donors?

Yes they work with civil society


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Key contributions of the sub-national MSP towards the SUNMovement Strategic Objectives in 2019-2020

Contributions to Process 1, Bringing people together in the same space foractionBringing people together in the same space for action

N/A

Contributions to Process 2, Ensuring a coherent policy and legal frameworkEnsuring a coherent policy and legal framework

N/A

Contributions to Process 3, Aligning actions around common resultsAligning actions around common results

N/A

Contributions to Process 4 Financial tracking and resource mobilisationFinancial tracking and resource mobilisation

N/A


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SUMMARY: Bringing people together in the same space

Please describe overall achievements, positive developments, key challenges and suggestions forimprovement towards bringing people together in the same space seen the past year (April 2019Pleasedescribe overall achievements, positive developments, key challenges and suggestions for improvementtowards bringing people together in the same space seen the past year (April 2019 - April 2020). Note thatthis section will be used to draft your individual country profiles in the SUN Movement annual progressreport. - April 2019). Note that this section will be used to draft your individual country profiles in the SUNMovement annual progress report.

MSP are active in all provinces and regions for coordination. Regular coordination mechanics are placedwithin National SUN Secretariat, provinces/areas SUN Units and with Networks through SteeringCommittees, Technical Working Groups, Elected Network Councils and other channels. The National SUNSecretariat and provincial area SUN Units have actively engaged other relevant ministries and departmentsfor their contribution to address malnutrition including enhanced public financing. Two high level nutritionplatforms have been established The Pakistan National Nutrition Coordination Council (PNNCC) has beencreated and the Prime Minister chairs the council with six ministers as its members reflecting both amultisectoral construct as well as high political commitment to address malnutrition. The ministers includedare Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Minister for National FoodSecurity & Research, Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance & Revenue, Minister for Commerce, Advisor toPrime Minister on Climate Change and Special Assistant to Prime Minister on National Health Services,Regulations and Coordination. The PNNCC has four core functions: (i) Strategy & Policy (ii) Human CapitalDevelopment (iii) Monitoring & Impact Assessment (iv) Advocacy & Awareness Raising National NutritionForum (NNF) has been established in Planning Commission to provide leadership in harmonizing nutritioninterventions in the country. The forum is Chaired by Deputy Chairman Planning Commission and DeputyChief Nutrition/ SUN Focal Point is a member and secretary. The NNF will work on high level multi-sectoralnutrition Coordination and engaging relevant ministries/departments donors, development partners andother key stakeholders for synergies effect. Advocacy & awareness regarding the strategy for promotinghealthy dietary practices and knowledge sharing at various level. Stunting prevention through EarlyChildhood Development (1000 days window of opportunity) and adolescent girls nutrition. New initiativeshave been started under Ehsaas Programme (Social Safety Nets and Social Protection) Ministry of SocialProtection & Poverty Alleviation: Ehsaas Langar (Provision of ready to eat meal for the poorest segments ofsociety), Ehsaas Ration (Provision of food ration pack for vulnerable population in the wake of COVID-19crisis). SBN has moved forward with the updated strategy and now focusing on increasing membership. Aneffective internal coordination mechanism is in place. The membership of SBN has increased from 36 to 50after joining of 14 new SME’s in the reporting period. Multiple stakeholder coordination forums have beenestablished however there are only a few examples of where true coordination takes place. One example isof the Food Fortification Coordination group described above. SUN Civil Society Alliance Pakistan is fullyfunctional, with more than 164 members from all provinces and regions. SUNCSA Secretariat coordinateswith all its members at national and provincial level. The draft SUNCSA next 5-years strategy (2021-2025) isready which has included a guideline for decentralization of SUNCSA structure to the district level, inphased manner. Despite the COVID-19 during the pandemic, SUNCSA member organizations have beenclosely engaged with relevant government authorities for relief and response work. SUNCSA members haveactively mobilized philanthropy and are playing their role in COVID-19 relief activities at every level. SUNUN Network is currently active and led by World Food Programme (WFP). The network is providingTechnical, Financial and HR support to National SUN secretariat and most of the provincial SUN Units. Theyhave been actively involved in preparing Government’s response to COVID-19 pandemic and providingTechnical and financial support. The UN network members i.e. UNICEF, WFP, FAO and WHO has effectiveinternal coordination for scaling up nutrition efforts. It has made effective links with media, other SUNNetworks and most importantly the active engagement of parliamentarians. This is also helping to supporton SDGs progress. Moreover, new political government is influenced enough to position nutrition agendaas highest policy priority. SUNAR membership has increased from 46 to 54 Universities and ResearchInstitutions. Moreover, SUN and multi-sectoral strategies are owned by the highest government institutionsat federal and provincial level and have further progressed to make effective links with SDGs platforms.Efforts are being made to channel public finances in nutrition programming at federal and provincial level.The relevance of business engagement is increasingly recognized in multiple sectors and in provinces as aresult of increasing engagement. Multi-sectoral policies are being influenced through this MSP. Businessesare increasingly considering value in investing nutrition and healthy products by becoming a part of thisMSP. Nutrition appears a priority area for the new government, which also recognizes that a multisectoralapproach is needed. Donors are continuously working with government to reflect nutrition priority into theirannual development plans.


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Emergency preparedness and response planning

1.

In the last 12 months, has the country faced or responded to a crisis requiring humanitarianassistance?

Yes

2.

If yes, what was the type of emergency:

Natural and climate-related disasters

Other: COVID-19

3.And what was the duration of this emergency? Please explain:

2-3 months

4.

Does the multi-stakeholder platform include all relevant stakeholders to holistically protectand promote nutrition, including humanitarian, resilience, and disaster risk reduction actors?

Yes

5.

Does the SUN Focal Point, or another representative from the multi-stakeholder platform,participate in the national emergency coordination systems and structures, including for theCOVID-19 response?

Yes

6.

At what levels – (please select an option below):

Inter-ministerial technical level

Sub-national (provinces, districts) level


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Emergency preparedness and response planning

7.

How has the functionality of the multi-stakeholder platform (MSP) been affected by theCOVID-19 crisis?

Weaker

Explanation: Reduced face to face interactions, capacity building advocacy activities

8.

Is the multi-stakeholder platform already planning for the recovery phase, post COVID-19,even taking into account the likely need to address the effects for some time yet?

Yes

Explanation: 1. Revision of policies and strategies 2. Re-alignment of resources


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Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls

1.

Is gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls seen as a priority in the work ofthe multi-stakeholder platform?

No

2.

Does your country have a national gender equality policy or strategy in place?

No

3.

If yes, does this policy or strategy address nutrition, through actions and indicators?

No

4.

Would you like to receive more tools and resources on ensuring gender equality when scalingup nutrition?

Yes

5.

What actions, such as advocacy, have been implemented by the multi-stakeholder platform in2019-2020 to ensure gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls? Pleaseexplain:

1. Advocacy to promote nutrition of women & adolescent girls has been prioritized. e.g.Adolescent nutrition strategy has recently been launched.


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Nutrition-sensitive and sustainable food systems

1.

In addition to the multi-stakeholder platform for nutrition, does another multi-stakeholderplatform or mechanism on food systems exist in the country?

No

2.

Do key food system stakeholders (including the private sector) participate in the multi-stakeholder platform for nutrition?

Yes

Explanation: n/a

3.

Are efforts ongoing to put in place policies or legislation to enhance the contribution of foodsystems towards healthy diets and good nutrition?

In progress

4.

If yes, what types of policies or legislation?

Regulations on food marketing and labelling

Food loss and waste reduction policies

Food-based dietary guidelines

5.

Has your country put in place large-scale programmes or investments aiming to improve theproductivity and sustainability of food systems?

Yes

Explanation: Ease of doing business policy High yielding crops etc


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Advocacy and communication

1.

Does the multi-stakeholder platform have a communication and/or advocacy strategy or planin place?

Yes

2.

If yes, does this strategy aim to:

Mobilise resources

Build political will

Influence policies

Raise public awareness

Other: Capacity building

3.

Do you work with the media to amplify key messages, raise awareness and demand action onnutrition?

Yes

4.

If yes, how does this work take form and with whom do you work?

National media

Regional/community-based media

Thematic campaigns

Capacity-strengthening of journalists

5.

Do parliamentarians work with the multi-stakeholder platform?

Yes

6.

Has a parliamentary network for nutrition been established? Yes/No

Yes

7.

Has the multi-stakeholder platform nominated nutrition champions?

Yes


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8.

Have you produced any communication materials or products related to the SUN approachand/or country-level SUN achievements?

Yes

9.

Do you use any SUN Movement communications materials to support in-country advocacy?

Yes

10.

If yes, which products do you normally use:

Annual progress reports

Website or social media materials

11.

Have high-level nutrition events been organised during the last 12 months?

Yes

12.

If yes, please explain:

1. National Nutrition Conference 2. SUN Core Group Meeting 3. SUN Network Executivecommittee meeting 4. Meeting with parliamentarians 5. Workshops/trainings

13.

Are any high-level events planned for the next 12 months?

Yes

14.

If yes, please explain:

1. National SUN retreat/program learning 2. Launch of National Action Plan 3. Launch ofMulti-Sectoral Nutrition Information System


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15.

Would you like to scale up your communication and advocacy in the next 12 months?

Yes

Pakistan - Scaling Up Nutrition

Documents

Transcript of Pakistan - Scaling Up Nutrition