Enhancing Nutrition Services to Improve Maternal and Child Health (ENRICH)

Program Type

Community Development

Planned Life Cycle

2016 - 2021

Location

Bangladesh | Kenya | Myanmar | Tanzania

Areas of Focus

Health | Gender Equality and Social Inclusion

Total Cost

$52 million

Lead Agency

World Vision Canada

Funding Partner

Global Affairs Canada 
Individual Canadian Donors

Implementing Partners

Canadian Association for Global Health
Harvest Plus
Nutrition International
University of Toronto

Program Timeline

Status: Closed

Progress

1,024deaths prevented from 2016 to 2021

Progress

5,334cases of stunting prevented from 2016 to 2021

Progress

3,192deaths to be averted over the next 15 years

Change

Pressure Baby

Pressure Baby documents the emotional journey of Zin, a young woman living in one of the most remote communities in Myanmar. This intimate film grants viewers a glimpse into the life of a mother, wife and daughter whose story seems so unique, but is sadly an all-too-common reality for many women worldwide. It’s a story of the realities of development and evolving family dynamics, which can make a life-or-death difference in the health and futures of communities everywhere.

A white jeep driving through a muddy path, featuring a rainbow and trees in the background.

Program Details

The goal of ENRICH was to contribute to the reduction of maternal and child mortality in target countries by addressing issues critical to the health of pregnant women, mothers, newborns, infants and young children in alignment with the policies and priorities of national Ministries of Health, by delivering gender-responsive essential MNCH and sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services, increasing the production, consumption and utilization of nutritious foods & micronutrient supplements during the first 1,000 days of life, and strengthening gender-responsive governance, policy and public engagement for MNCH and SRHR in Canada and target countries.


Visit https://www.worldvision.ca/1000-day-journey to learn more.

Program Areas

Bangladesh|Thakurgaon District


Thakurgaon is a district in northwest Bangladesh, bordering India. A largely agricultural area, it has struggled economically for years, hampered in part by long distances to the market and investment sources of the capital, Dhaka.


Community surveys show that 39 percent of children under age 5 are stunted. Low birthweights are chronic, at 25 percent of live births. 1000 Day Journey will target health interventions for women and children under age two. We'll work closely with local government officials to strengthen services in ways that are sustainable, and promote gender inclusive practices that empower women as agents of change.


Kenya|Elgeyo Marakwet County


The fertile and visually striking Rift Valley forms the eastern boundary of Elgeyo Marakwet County in western Kenya. It's an area where Homo erectus fossils date back almost 2 million years! But life today is a struggle when it comes to child and maternal health.


Child malnutrition exceeds the country average with 36 percent of children under the age of five stunted, and 19.5 percent underweight. World Vision knows the needs in the area. Since 2013, we've worked with government to establish 10 Community Health Units and train 200 Health Volunteers. 1000 Day Journey will build on these successes to strengthen all 25 Health Units in the area. A focus will be the empowerment of women to use their influence – ensuring health policies are followed through.

Myanmar|Thabuang Township


Thabuang Township is located in the massive Ayeyarwaddy River delta at the Andaman Sea. The area is extremely remote – the township's 400 villages are accessible only by boat during the May to September rainy season.


According to a 2015 survey, maternal mortality is 237 deaths per 100,000 live births. Child malnutrition is also high with 41 percent of children under age five exhibiting stunting. Interestingly, due in part to the Burmese culture, gender-disaggregated data shows little difference between men and women in health status. But women's voices are not well represented in decisions made about healthcare. 1000 Day Journey will help build women's leadership capacity in remote villages.

Tanzania|Singida and Shinyanga Regions


World Vision has experience supporting families in central Tanzania through a previous government grant. 1000 Day Journey will take the successes of that program to communities not yet reached in Singida and new communities in Shinyanga. The program will focus on training front-line health workers, distributing micronutrient powders, and the introductions of bio-fortified crops.


Cultural practices such as early marriage, gender-based violence and the devaluing of girls will be addressed. One approach to be used is Channels of Hope, a World Vision signature program that facilitates dialogue between women and men, leading to new knowledge and changed behavior in gender relations. The approach is often centered in local churches and mosques to maximize impact.

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A close-up photo of an infant being fed drinking water from a yellow measuring cup.

Results

Partners

Nutrition International: nourish lifeHavest Plus: Better crops, better nutritionCAGH: Canadian Association for Global HealthUniversity of TorontoGlobal Affairs Canada logo
Unless otherwise stated, data presented on this page reflects the most up-to-date results of World Vision Canada programs reported between October 2022 and September 2023, and any previous fiscal years available. Previously reported data may not match the current presentation as we continuously receive and refine data from our programs. If you have any questions, kindly reach out to us.