Multi-Sector Alliances Program (Alianzas)

Partnerships that received funding for activities supporting nutrition under this CA supported projects that improve maternal and child nutritional status and dietary practices, especially among pregnant and lactating women and children under two years of age, as well as other interventions to improve food security. We focused on the seven essential nutrition actions, adapting messages to local language and cultural realities. Alliance-building activities focused on creating partnerships for the following types of activities:

• AIEPI AINM-C. Alianzas strengthened and expanded AIEPI AINM-C interventions at the community level that included monthly weighing sessions, effective counseling of caregivers to improve breastfeeding, complementary feeding, hygiene practices, and referral of cases to clinical services if necessary.
• Mejores Familias. Designed by FUNDAZUCAR, the Mejores Familias project is aimed at improving food and nutritional safety at the community level. The project focuses on education and training of women in RH and care of children under the age of five. Specifically, the project strengthens women’s capacities, among them self-esteem, community participation, and the contribution that one woman can have in her personal, family, and community surroundings. The Mejores Familias model was implemented both by FUNDAZUCAR as well as by BANASA, allowing the expansion of the project to new areas and new implementers.

In addition, the project improved schools through infrastructure development. Based on a comprehensive health and education post-disaster assessment developed by the Government of Guatemala, Alianzas rebuilt, furnished, and equipped primary healthcare facilities and schools, and also restored access to water and sanitation systems.