Malnutrition Assistance Project – Maidan Wardak Province

Situation Overview

Wardak Province continues to face significant humanitarian and public health challenges, including widespread food insecurity, limited access to primary healthcare services, and increased vulnerability among economically disadvantaged households. These conditions have contributed to elevated levels of malnutrition, particularly affecting women and other vulnerable groups, with direct implications for morbidity and overall community health.

In response to these needs, EWSSO, with support from the Association of Afghan Healthcare Professionals – UK, implemented a Malnutrition Assistance Project aimed at addressing immediate nutritional gaps and supporting basic health needs of vulnerable populations in Wardak Province.

2. Objective

The objective of the intervention was to provide timely humanitarian assistance to malnourished and vulnerable individuals through targeted nutritional support and basic health assistance, contributing to the reduction of immediate health risks and improved food security at household level.

3. Implementation Approach

The project was implemented through a community-based and needs-driven approach. Beneficiaries were identified in coordination with local community representatives based on vulnerability and nutrition-related risk criteria.

All activities were carried out in accordance with humanitarian principles, ensuring neutrality, impartiality, accountability, and respect for beneficiary dignity. Despite operational constraints, the project was completed within the planned timeframe.

5. Beneficiaries Reached

A total of 24 malnourished and vulnerable individuals were reached through the intervention, with the following gender disaggregation:

The intervention ensured equitable access to assistance, with particular attention to female beneficiaries due to their heightened vulnerability to food insecurity and nutrition-related health risks.

6. Results and Outcomes

The project achieved the following key results:

• Improved access to essential nutritional assistance for malnourished individuals
• Contribution to improved food security at household level
• Mitigation of immediate nutrition-related health risks among assisted beneficiaries
• Strengthened community acceptance of health and nutrition interventions

Although limited in scale, the intervention demonstrated the effectiveness of targeted, community-based nutrition assistance in underserved areas.

7. Lessons Learned

Key lessons identified during implementation include:

• Community-level engagement is essential for accurate targeting and effective delivery
• Low-cost, targeted nutrition interventions can generate meaningful health outcomes
• Local implementing partners can deliver timely and accountable health assistance in challenging contexts

These lessons are directly relevant for the design and scale-up of future health-sector programming.

8. Conclusion and Strategic Relevance

The Malnutrition Assistance Project in Wardak Province was successfully implemented and provided nutritional assistance to 24 vulnerable individuals, contributing to improved health outcomes and food security.

Given the continued nutrition and health challenges in Wardak Province, this intervention underscores the need for expanded and sustained health-sector support, particularly in nutrition and primary healthcare. EWSSO has demonstrated operational capacity, financial efficiency, and community access that can be leveraged for larger-scale interventions in coordination with WHO and other international partners.

With additional donor support, EWSSO is well positioned to expand programming in areas including:

• Community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM)
• Maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH)
• Nutrition screening, referral, and follow-up services
• Basic primary healthcare delivery in underserved communities