Malnutrition and data gaps remain critical challenges in Africa. To address these issues and strengthen nutrition accountability, the African Union Commission (AUC) partnered with the African Leaders for Nutrition (ALN) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) to host a Capacity Building Workshop on the Continental Nutrition Accountability Scorecard (CNAS) in Kampala, Uganda, from July 4-5, 2024. The workshop aimed to enhance countries' ability to use nutrition data to inform decision-making and improve accountability.

The Continental Nutrition Accountability Scorecard (CNAS) is a tool designed to track Africa's progress towards nutrition security. By providing a comprehensive assessment of the continent's nutritional status, the CNAS identifies gaps and advocates for increased investment in addressing malnutrition. The scorecard aligns with key development frameworks, such as Agenda 2063, the Sustainable Development Goals, and the Malabo Declaration, to hold governments accountable for improving nutrition outcomes.

Dr. Geoffrey Lairumbi, Monitoring, Evaluation Accountability and Learning Specialist from the African Leaders for Nutrition said, "We must seize this opportunity to ensure that no child suffers from malnutrition. The CNAS provides a foundation for making informed decisions and mobilizing resources for nutrition."

The workshop equipped policymakers with a comprehensive tool to monitor nutrition data and progress towards nutrition-related targets. It enhanced their understanding and use of the CNAS, stressing the significance of precise data collection and the role of RECs in ensuring accountability. The workshop also highlighted challenges, including data gaps, funding limitations, and the need for better infrastructure and training. Additionally, it emphasized the necessity of a coordinated approach involving health, agriculture, education, and other sectors to tackle the complex factors contributing to malnutrition.

"The CNAS is an essential tool for promoting accountability and ensuring that our leaders are held accountable for achieving the nutrition targets set out in various frameworks," said Ms. Gertrude Masautso Kara, the African Union Technical Advisor Nutrition Policy. "We are committed to facilitating capacity building and disseminating evidence-based knowledge to support successful implementation."

Representatives from 12 African Union Member States participating in the workshop urged the promotion of the CNAS across all African Union Member States and emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue and collaboration to meet nutrition goals.

The workshop is part of a series of capacity building workshops targeting the African Union Regional blocs, to create awareness on the Continental Nutrition Accountability Scorecard, and promote use of nutrition data for decision making in the continent. The first workshop was held in 2023 in Botswana and targeted focal points drawn from the key sectors such as health, nutrition and bureau of statistics of the Member States from the Southern Africa region.

Click the link for the final report (link to the report) of the workshop.

For further information please contact:

Mr. Derrick Ochuot | Strategic Communication Expert | Directorate of Health and Humanitarian Affairs | Health Systems, Disease and Nutrition Division | African Union Commission | E-mail: ochuotd@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.