REACTS-IN Project
Realizing Gender Equality, Attitudinal Change and Transformative Systems in Nutrition
Accelerating nutrition and gender equality for women, adolescent girls and children in Tanzania, Kenya, Somalia and India.
REACTS-IN
REACTS-IN supports the strengthening of nutrition and health systems while addressing the gender dimensions of malnutrition. The project contributes toward the World Health Assembly's Global Nutrition Targets by implementing integrated, multisectoral, evidence-based interventions.
The programme addresses key determinants of nutrition, gender inequality, and sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) to improve the health and nutrition of women, adolescent girls and children under five.
The initiative is implemented across Tanzania, Kenya, Somalia and India between 2023 and 2029.
The Need
COVID-19, conflict, climate change, economic shocks, and food insecurity have threatened years of development gains. These crises continue to increase malnutrition, gender inequality, and vulnerability among women and adolescent girls.
Food insecurity has increased exposure to sexual and gender-based violence, early pregnancies, school dropout, and poor health outcomes. Millions of people across Tanzania, Kenya, Somalia, and India remain at risk of moderate to severe food insecurity.
Anaemia remains a major public health challenge, particularly among women and children under five, significantly affecting growth, development and productivity.
Why Action is Needed
942,000
Children affected by acute malnutrition in Kenya
1.5M
Children under five facing acute malnutrition in Somalia
56.1%
Anaemia prevalence among children under five in Tanzania
Our Solution
REACTS-IN combines the expertise of World Vision Canada, Nutrition International, HarvestPlus, the Canadian Association for Global Health and McGill University to implement integrated interventions that address nutrition, gender inequality, and SRHR barriers.
The project promotes gender-transformative, evidence-based approaches that remove obstacles preventing women and girls from accessing nutrition, health services, and reproductive health rights.
Led by World Vision Canada, the Project Will
Nutrition & Health Access
Ensure equitable access to nutrition, health, WASH and SRHR services.
Quality Services
Improve availability and responsiveness of nutrition and health services.
Local Capacity
Strengthen local stakeholders to realize nutrition and SRHR rights.
YAWE's Contribution
YAWE promotes gender-equitable decision-making, control over household resources, and prevention of sexual and gender-based violence.
The organization equips men and boys to identify and overcome social and cultural barriers affecting nutrition, SRHR and WASH practices.
YAWE strengthens demand and utilization of community-based health services, family planning, and contraceptive methods while implementing gender-responsive nutrition and health packages for adolescents.
Teachers and student leaders are actively engaged to improve access to nutrition and health services for adolescent girls and boys.
Progress & Achievements
October 2023 – June 2024
YAWE trained school teachers and community health workers on SRHR, gender equality, and child protection using Program M & H Methodology.
Evidence-Based Results
Program M & H has demonstrated improved gender-equitable attitudes, increased SRHR knowledge, improved communication, higher condom use, reduced sexual harassment, and stronger community engagement.
International Recognition
Program H has been recognized by the World Bank, WHO, UNICEF, UNDP, UNFPA and other global institutions as a best practice for promoting gender equality and preventing gender-based violence.
Long-Term Impact
REACTS-IN is contributing toward ending malnutrition, improving health outcomes for women, adolescent girls and children under five, promoting gender equality, and advancing the empowerment of women and girls across participating countries.
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