23
2017
February 23rd marked the official opening of LIFT’s new nutrition, resilience and income programs in Chin state, of which MIID is an implementing partner through the project ‘Securing Positive Nutritional Outcomes through Agriculture Extension, Nutritional Education and Institution Building in Rural Chin State’ (NOAC). Dignitaries travelled from across Myanmar to attend the opening in Hakha’s Carson Hall.
Opening speeches were given by the Chin state Chief Minister and the EU ambassador, with further explanations, expectations surrounding the projects and presentations coming from LIFT, USAID, UNICEF and Department of Social Welfare officials. Topics included the importance of nutrition in the first 1000 days of a child’s life and nutrition co-ordination between government departments.
It was announced that LIFT will release $9 million of funding for a Maternal and Child Cash Transfer (MCCT) scheme in Chin state, to improve nutrition and welfare in the first three years of children’s lives.
Following the speeches, each LIFT implementing partner ran a booth in Carson hall for attendees to learn more about their respective projects. The MIID booth was well received, drawing a substantial number of guests over the course of the day.
The NOAC project implemented by MIID will promote nutrition-sensitive agricultural extension and integrated farming approaches to farmers and communities. This will include nutrition education for farmers and communities through farmer field schools and nutrition trainings. The project will also work with local academic and government institutions to promote a nutrition sensitive approach to agriculture and agriculture education. The project started in July 2016 and will last until June 2019.