The CARE Bangladesh-led Joint Action for Nutrition Outcomes (JANO) project concluded with an event titled "Celebrating the Success of JANO: Commemorating a Five and a Half Year Journey."
The event showcased Bangladesh's achievement of a significant milestone in the improved nutrition program.
It highlights the project's success in addressing malnutrition among children under five, pregnant and lactating women, and adolescent girls in Rangpur and Nilphamari districts from September 2018 to June 2024. It also highlights project achievements, challenges, best practices and future directions in improving nutrition governance in Bangladesh.
The program also indicates opportunities for future initiatives in this important area.
The European Union, Australian Development Corporation and Plan International were the partners of this project.
Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder was present as the chief guest.
Asaduzzaman Noor, lawmaker from Nilphamari 2, Secretary of ICT Department Shamsul Arefin, Director General of Food Planning and Supply Unit (FPMU) Shahidul Alam NDC, acting Country Director of CARE Bangladesh Shamim Jahan, Ambassador of the European Union to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley, were also present.
Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder said projects like JANO have been instrumental in reshaping the national understanding of nutrition.
Their work aligns perfectly with our government's commitment to improving nutritional outcomes across Bangladesh. Their efforts in raising awareness about the nutritional challenges we face - from the processing of our staple rice to the dangers of food adulteration - are crucial. We don't want to see JANO end; rather, we hope to see its knowledge and approach expanded to every district in our nation. This is how we'll build a healthier, more nutritionally aware Bangladesh.”
Asaduzzaman Noor said the JANO project has been an eye-opener for me and for our communities in Rangpur and Nilphamari.
"It has challenged the common misconception that nutrition is solely about eggs, meat, and milk, revealing the nutritional value in everyday items like lentils, green chillies, and vegetables. This project has effectively bridged a critical knowledge gap that has long persisted in our villages. The transformation I've witnessed in these districts is remarkable - JANO has not just educated, but has truly changed the nutritional landscape.”
S M Ferdous Alam, Director General of BSTI, noted, “The proactive approach of JANO, particularly in empowering UDCCs and reactivating Community Support Groups, has created a robust framework for assessing community needs and implementing effective action plans. JANO's focus on safe food production and innovative interventions like adolescent corners demonstrates how we can work together to ensure not just food quantity, but food quality and nutritional security for our current and future generations.”
Masuda Khanam, deputy director (Field Service), Department of Fisheries (DoF), remarked, “The impact of the JANO Project on our fisheries sector has been remarkable. We've seen a significant increase in fish production, which directly translates to improved nutrition for our communities. What's particularly encouraging is the project's focus on educating women, lactating mothers, and adolescents about the nutritional value of fish. This targeted approach has led to a tangible increase in fish consumption. It's a clear demonstration of how combining increased production with nutritional awareness can lead to real, measurable improvements in dietary habits and overall health.”
Some 483,859 people have benefited from community healthcare through our community platform.
In his presentation, consultant Jock Baker of Inspira Consulting said the project has resulted in a 38.7% increase in the participation of women and adolescent girls in formal decision-making.
In addition, adolescents showed significant improvement in understanding and applying important learning concepts about nutrition, health, and hygiene.
The event also highlighted the significant contribution of Community Support Groups and School Management Committees through the project, Adolescent Corners and Clubs as effective learning centers, successful involvement of women entrepreneurs in various supply chains, and increased production and opportunities in high-value nutritional products and services.
Dr Md. Hashibur Rahaman, Civil Surgeon and Member Secretary of DNCC, added, “JANO's impact on local health outcomes in Rangpur and Nilphamari has been truly remarkable.
The project has brought about a level of consistency and timeliness in coordination meetings that is uncommon in other districts.
This improved coordination, coupled with practical interventions like homestead and school nutrition gardens, demonstrates JANO's holistic approach to nutrition.
By fostering collaboration across sectors and bringing nutrition education directly into homes and schools, JANO has effectively operationalized the multisectoral nature of nutrition.
This approach has significantly enhanced our local capacity to address nutritional challenges and improve health outcomes in our communities.”
A unique aspect of the celebration was the community voices session, moderated by Dr. Md. Shahid Uz Zaman, Executive Director of ESDO.
This session showcased success stories from community participants, including mothers, entrepreneurs, local government representatives, and adolescents who benefited from the JANO project.
A high-level panel discussion on "Role of multi-stakeholder in ensuring Nutrition governance: Discussion on challenges and opportunities" featured representatives from various government departments and agencies.
Prof. Kazi Maruful Islam from the University of Dhaka.
