Sun Osc Mali's "Champion Nutrition" Approach: A Healthy Nutrition Strategy

Abstract

SUN-OSC Mali, in its efforts to contribute to nutritional well-being in the country, identified a number of nutrition champions in 2018 to serve as a platform for influence and advocacy to help it achieve its objectives. The identification of champions consisted of a selection of personalities within society who should belong to a national group to carry, support and influence legislation and policies, as well as planning and budgeting for nutrition in Mali. The analysis shows that 71% of the champions are male, mostly from the capital (Bamako), with the most represented fields being nutrition and communication. SUN (Scaling Up Nutrition) OSC (Civil Society Organisation) Mali's champions are mainly state or local government officials. From their inception to date, the champions have carried out many activities on nutrition awareness and advocacy. The analysis also identifies strengths and some weaknesses. To improve the approach, it is recommended that the champions be organized into a network and that the community level be taken into account in the nomination of champions. The nutrition champion approach of SUN CSO Mali is obviously a great innovation and a remarkable opportunity that will help it to achieve its objectives, the end result of which is nutritional well-being for all through influence and awareness. The analysis carried out through this study shows that the tool can be improved by organizing the champions into a network bringing together all the country's champions. It would be necessary to involve other state and/or non-state actors, to mobilize more resources, to seize every opportunity, for effective and efficient results in nutrition, a key determinant of the well-being of the populations.