Suaahara II

Details of the organization
Digital Broadcast Initiative Equal Access
Nepal (Republic of)
Civil society entities

Information about the project
Suaahara II
Suaahara project in Nepal is addressing a problem i.e. associated with the SDGs goals and i.e. 41 percent of children suffer from stunting or chronic malnutrition. The consequences of stunting are serious, life-long and irreversible. Chronic malnutrition accounts for at least one third of deaths in children aged under-five. Children who survive malnutrition are at increased risk of morbidity and decreased cognitive function resulting in lower academic performance, low economic productivity and increased risk of degenerative diseases like diabetes and obesity, later in life. Besides the high cost for the country, the high incidence of chronic malnutrition affects reach of many international commitments on socio-economic development in Nepal. Malnutrition of the mother before and during pregnancy is causing stunting and the child during the first two years of life. Therefore, this project has identified ten key behaviors. With a wide discussion among the stakeholders of this issue in Nepal, Digital Broadcast Initiative Equal Access has developed 47 messages varying from 3 to 7 messages in those identified ten key behaviors. The ever-growing community based FM stations is utilized to disseminate SBCC messages focused in 40 districts of Nepal and SMS and IVR platform is deployed as an additional ICT tool to advance the radio program. This enhancement in media technology has given a clear increment of listenership of radio program from 24% (during 1st phase) and now to 31% (currently in 2nd phase).
National implementation: Nepal (Republic of)
Ongoing from 01/05/2016 to 30/04/2021
Helen Keller International, CARE, FHI360, Digital Broadcast Initiative Equal Access, Environment and Public Health Organization, Nepali Technical Assistance Group and Vijaya Development Resource Centre

WSIS information
* Media
  • Goal 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere
  • Goal 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
  • Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all
  • Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
  • Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
  • Goal 6: Ensure access to water and sanitation for all
  • Project
  • Training initiative
  • Database
  • Capacity build