Evaluation of nutrition supply chain with implementation of systems strengthening measures and capacity development
Funding
Ethiopia
2024 - 2025
Food Security & Nutrition I Health | Research & innovation
Maternal & child health | Supply chain | Operational Planning | Capacity development | Quality assurance
Introduction
Paeradigms is evaluating the emergency and nutrition response distribution system to recommend and implement measures that strengthen health system support to rural healthcare units, and provide capacity development to on site personnel
Objectives
Paeradigms was brought in to:
Ensure the efficient, transparent, and secure distribution of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) to severely malnourished children, mitigating leakage and misuse throughout the supply chain.
Enhance overall community health outcomes for 1.2 million children under five suffering from severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in Ethiopia.
Provide capacity development for health workers, community volunteers, and families of malnourished children to make the system sustainable.
Background
Malnutrition in conflict areas of Ethiopia remains critical, driven by delayed food distribution, inadequate multi-sectoral responses, and weakened health systems, especially among mothers and children under five. Response is limited partly due to lack of robust distribution networks and partners.
Approach
Paeradigms’ methodology involved:
Supply chain mapping: identify leakage and misuse areas.
Conducting interviews, data collection, and analysis: engage stakeholders on processes and identify root causes of leakage and misuse
Implementing blockchain traceability technology: use innovative approach to create a secure, transparent, and immutable record of RUTF distribution from procurement to delivery.
Providing capacity building: train supply chain staff on traceability technology and inventory management; organize workshops for UNICEF staff and partners workers on RUTF handling and distribution; conduct community outreach and education sessions on malnutrition and RUTF usage
Outcome
Paeradigms successfully delivered:
Evalution report detailing findings for enhanced therapeutic nutrition supply chain efficiency.
Strengthened local capacity and awareness documented with implementation report.
Effective and efficient programme management, including a case study on improvements to Ethiopia’s nutrition supply chain based on assessments conducted.