The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced the launch of the Enhancing Nutrition Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning in the Health Sector Activity (NuMERAL). This five-year initiative aims to improve nutrition and early childhood development outcomes through collaborative research and evidence-based policy-making.
Key Takeaways
- Program Duration: 2023-2028
- Funding: $30,000 to $50,000 for sub-awards
- Focus Areas: Nutrition integration in health policies, responsive caregiving, and micronutrient deficiency prevention
- Eligibility: Open to organizations in countries with USAID presence
Overview of NuMERAL
NuMERAL is designed to address critical gaps in nutrition and early childhood development (ECD) by fostering collaboration among health sector leaders, policymakers, and researchers. The initiative emphasizes the importance of evidence-based approaches to shape effective health policies and programs.
Goals and Objectives
The primary goal of NuMERAL is to enhance nutrition and ECD outcomes through:
- Mainstreaming Nutrition: Integrating nutrition into reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health policies and services.
- Responsive Caregiving: Incorporating opportunities for early learning into nutrition policies and programs.
- Micronutrient Deficiency Prevention: Improving assessment and prevention strategies for micronutrient deficiencies and anemia.
Research Focus Areas
NuMERAL will support various types of research studies, including:
- Operations Research: Evaluating processes and quality improvements in nutrition programs.
- Comparative Studies: Conducting cross-sectional studies to assess nutrition interventions.
- Longitudinal Analyses: Utilizing secondary data for in-depth quantitative analysis.
Illustrative Research Activities
Potential research activities under NuMERAL may include:
- Integrating iodine surveillance into routine health facility assessments.
- Evaluating methods for identifying geographical areas with iodine deficiency.
- Conducting population-based studies to assess iodine status and thyroid function.
Funding Information
NuMERAL anticipates issuing three to six sub-awards, each valued between $30,000 and $50,000. The performance period for these awards is expected to last up to eight months, allowing for timely research and implementation of findings.
Eligibility Criteria
Organizations eligible to apply for funding under NuMERAL include:
- Universities and research institutes
- Community-based organizations
- Civil society organizations
- Non-governmental organizations
- Private sector companies
Ineligibility Criteria
Certain organizations are not eligible for funding, including:
- Political parties and their affiliates
- Government entities
- Organizations involved in illegal activities
- Faith-based organizations not compliant with specific regulations
Conclusion
The NuMERAL initiative represents a significant step forward in enhancing nutrition monitoring and research within the health sector. By fostering collaboration and supporting local organizations, USAID aims to create a sustainable impact on nutrition and early childhood development outcomes globally. This initiative not only addresses immediate health concerns but also lays the groundwork for long-term improvements in public health policies and practices.
