ACF AFGHANISTAN
APRIL 2016 NEWSLETTER
Present in Afghanistan
for over 20 years, ACF
works towards
improving the
nutritional status of
children under 5 and
pregnant and lactating
women, through an
integrated approach
encompassing Nutrition,
WASH, and Food
Security and Livelihoods
programming.
This monthly newsletter
provides an overview
and insights on ACF
programming across the
country. For any further
question, please contact
[email protected]
www.actioncontrelafaim.org
ACF Afghanistan Newsletter
April 2016
EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROGRAM FOR
NATURAL AND CONFLICT DISASTERS
AFFECTED POPULATION // ERM
Monthly Achievements
In March, the ERM teams conducted 1 joint assessment on 21 households displaced by conflict in
the province of Ghor. The assessments
identified 17 HH as eligible for immediate
assistance.
A joint distribution (ACF, ARA, WFP) took
place in Ghor for 18 HH (110 individuals).
ACF distributed Cash (for food and to
cover other needs) and Hygiene kits.
Before the distribution, ERM team
arranged a short orientation on the use of
cash and hygiene kits. 2 PDM were done:
1 in Ghor and 1 in Helmand.
Target versus Achievements up to date
Activity
Target
Achieved to date
% Achieved
# Assessments within 5 days after report
N/A
47
N/A
# Response provided within 10 days
N/A
33
N/A
Cash distribution for 1 month food needs
1,570 HH
2,065 HH
131 %
In-kind NFI distribution (Hygiene Kits)
1,300 HH
1,067 HH
82 %
In-kind NFI distribution (Kitchen Kits)
473 HH
84 HH
17 %
1,227 HH
983 HH
80 %
In-cash NFI distribution
Project duration:
May 2015 – April 2016
A project funded by
ACF Afghanistan Newsletter
April 2016
EMERGENCY RESPONSE TO REDUCE
HH
MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY ASSOCIATED
WITH CRITICAL RATES OF GAM AMONGST
U5 CHILDREN IN ALLA YAR AREA OF GHOR
Following security concerns in the Alla Yar area, ACF decided to relocate its activities around
Maidan (also in Chagcharan district) while closely monitoring the security situation in Alla Yar.
On March 2016, a Rapid Nutrition Assessment (RNA) was conducted in Maidan area where the
population has limited access to basic health services and safe water. The RNA was conducted in a
total of 25 clusters representative of the area and 244 households were surveyed.
Additionally, ACF has been supporting the Chagcharan TFU with one nurse and the supervision of a
doctor for the treatment of SAM cases with complications.
According to below table, the prevalence of malnourished cases in Maidan seems high.
Summary of Prevalence:
Anthropometric measurement
(GAM) Global Acute
Malnutrition %
(SAM) Sever Acute
Malnutrition %
Weight/height + MUAC + Odema
21.2 %
8.9 %
Weight/height + Odema
7.4 5
2.0 %
MUAC + Odema
14.6 %
4.4 %
Prevalence of stunting was at 51.1%
Prevalence of underweight was at 23.8%
Prevalence of malnourished pregnant women was at 48 %
Prevalence of ARI was at 42.8 %
Prevalence of Diarrhea was at 40.7 %
Measles vaccination coverage was 65.8 % based on card
Project duration:
Jan 2016 – June 2016
A project funded by
ACF Afghanistan Newsletter
April 2016
NUTRITION PACKAGE SERVICE DELIVERY
IMPROVEMENT FOR CHILDREN UNDER 5
YEARS AND WOMEN IN REPRODUCTIVE
AGE WITHIN THE BPHS IN BALKH
Achievements
March was the final month of the project, during which all remaining activities were completed.
The overall achievements of the project are:
 WASH
 5 water points in HF (3 constructed and 2 rehabilitated) completed and handed over
 50 nets for windows installed in HF
 3 showers and 4 latrines constructed in targeted HF
 Environmental Hygiene: 4 incinerators constructed, 2 fences installed around waste
management area and 13 pits constructed
 HF staff formal trainings on WASH-related topics: 219 people trained, of which 93
women and 126 men (77 guards/cleaners and 142 medical staff)
 On-the-job training for HF staff: 390 people (of which 169 women and 221 men)
 Hygiene promotion: 2,053 participants of 11 CDCs
 1 baseline and 1 endline KAP surveys
 NUTRITION/HEALTH
 11 Training sessions on 7 ENAs with 155 HF staff and 12 BDN (local NGO) management
staff benefiting from them in 89 HF
 On-the-job training for HF staff on 7 ENAs and IYCF: 408 participants in 89 HF
 Initial and final workshop with health stakeholders to define and review the health
system strengthening strategy: 2 workshop organized with 36 participants, 11 of which
from MoPH and 5 from BDN
 1 SQUEAC survey conducted in 11 districts, and 18 people trained on SQUEAC
 1 SMART survey done in 12 districts, with 34 people trained on SMART
 Contingency plan and coverage mapping: The white area mapping and prone zone
areas were identified and a dedicated assessment report is being drafted.
Project duration:
Apr. 2015 – March 2016
A project funded by
ACF Afghanistan Newsletter
April 2016
MEASURING PERFORMANCE AND
COVERAGE OF IMAM PROGRAMS IN
On the road to Dulayna
AFGHANISTAN: ROLLING OUT OF THE
SLEAC METHODOLOGY
Monthly Achievements
All the SLEAC assessment reports have been shared with the respective partners and the nutrition
Cluster for wider dissemination. A nutrition Coverage lessons learnt and restitution workshop is
planned for the 1st week of May 2016. The Workshop is meant to highlight lessons learnt and
highlight the cross-cutting barriers to access and coverage for SAM program in Afghanistan. It is
also going to map the met needs vs the required needs of SAM programming in Afghanistan.
SLEAC Project achievement
BADAKHSHAN
PARTNERS: Aga Khan & Care for Afghan Families
STATUS: Completed
JAWZJAN PROVINCE
PARTNER: SCI
STATUS: Completed
LAGHMAN PROVINCE
PARTNER: Swedish Committee for Afghanistan
STATUS: Completed
BADGHIS PROVINCE
PARTNER: MOVE
STATUS: Completed
BAMYAN PROVINCE
PARTNERS: MOVE
STATUS: Completed
Project duration:
March 2015 – June 2016
A project funded by
ACF Afghanistan Newsletter
April 2016
EMERGENCY WATER & HYGIENE
INTERVENTION FOR WATER-STRESSED
COMMUNITIES IN AREAS AFFECTED BY
LARGE SCALE DISPLACEMENTS IN HELMAND
Monthly Achievements
In March, 601 BSF were distributed and installed for the HH identified in February, and the
beneficiaries were trained on BSF operation and maintenance. 600 water analysis tests were done
on BSFs’ water.
Two boreholes were rehabilitated and 4 were constructed, benefiting to a total of 8,146 people
(155 teachers, 5,245 male students and 2,746 female students). Six WSUCs were trained to
understand their responsibilities.
Hygiene promotion sessions: 51 sessions for HF staff with 371 participants, 96 sessions in schools
with 4,851 participants (4,182 boys, 580 girls and 89 teachers). Second round sessions on
environmental hygiene were organized for 2,573 participants, during which 2,744 menstrual
hygiene kits were distributed. Third round sessions on food hygiene with 2,545 participants were
conducted and 77 teachers were trained during six sessions. 100 FHAGs and 100 CHWs were
trained and followed up.
Project duration:
May 2015 – April 2016
A project funded by
ACF Afghanistan Newsletter
April 2016
INTEGRATED WASH AND FSL INTERVENTION
FOR THE PREVENTION AND MITIGATION OF
NATURAL DISASTERS IN FLOOD AFFECTED
AREAS OF SAMANGAN

Monthly Achievements
March was the final month of this project. To complete the foreseen activities, a survey was done
in Sara-e-Chapchal and Sadat Dehe villages: 23 most vulnerable people were selected for CFW
activities and 23 vulnerable HHs for BSF. In March, the remaining BSF materials were distributed to
110 HHs, and all the BSF were installed by the end of the month. The last cash distribution for CFW
was also put in place.
Hardware activities: the rehabilitation of 2 ponds was completed in Sar-e-Chapchal, and a set of
tools selected for the maintenance of the ponds was donated to Sar-e-Chapchal community.
Overall Achievements:
- Protective measures implemented to mitigate the impact of disasters on communities in 2
targeted districts: 10 gabion walls, 1 protection wall and 2 irrigation canals done and handed
over. These measures allowed protecting from the effects of floods: 325 houses, 800 jerib1 of
land and 400 jerib of irrigated agricultural land
1
-
Improved water access: 5 water ponds done and handed over, 850 BSF distributed to 850
HH. The water access benefited livestock as well (2880 animals in Dary-e-Suf Payen district)
-
650 hygiene promotion sessions and refreshments
-
249 water samples collected and analyzed
-
Total beneficiaries of protective measures and WASH activities: 1586 (direct) and 9086
(indirect)
-
Cash for Work beneficiaries: 1306 people (all male). A total of 4,488,000 AFN was distributed
(corresponding to 68,363 EUR or 64,493 USD).
Traditional unit of land measurement: in Afghanistan, 1 jerib = 2000 m2 or 0.2 hectares.
Project duration:
April 2015 – March 2016
A project funded by
ACF Afghanistan Newsletter
April 2016
PROVISION OF TRAINING ON NEW
NUTRITION SoPs TO BPHS & EPHS
STAFFS IN 11 PROVINCES
Monthly Achievements
In the month of March 2016, the post-training monitoring and supervision activities in Helmand,
Kunar, Khost, Paktia and Kabul provinces were conducted: a total of 46 HFs (BHC, CHC, SHC, PH, DH
and Hospitals) were visited and during the visits 210 health staff (Medical doctors, Nurses,
Midwives and CHS) received OTJ.
KUNAR
KABUL
KHOST
PAKTIA
HELMAND
Project duration:
July 2015 – June 2016
A project funded by
ACF Afghanistan Newsletter
April 2016
PROVISION OF DRINKING WATER, AND
HYGIENE AND SANITATION PROMOTION IN
SUBURBAN AREAS OF KABUL CITY
Monthly Achievements
The hardware activities started in March, digging and rehabilitation of the hand dug wells is done
for 6 out of 32, and borehole drilling is started. 40 BSF were distributed and installed to the HH
identified in February, and 80 follow-up visits were conducted to check the BSF distributed in
February. 6 WSUCs established and 1 received training to understand their responsibilities.
As far as HP is concerned, 32 sessions were conducted with 141 participants, as well as 14
sessions for natural leaders and Mullahs on personal and environmental hygiene, with 19 people
attending. 4 public sessions were organized, for the benefit of 68 participants. 1,108 follow up
visits were conducted, during which 140 menstrual hygiene kits were distributed and women
sensitized on their use, reaching 99% of the project’s target. The FHAGs are established in 11
villages and operating with 120 members.
For CLTS public sessions, 56 follow up visits were conducted, during which the staff observed that
148 latrines were improved.
Project duration:
Aug. 2015 – May 2016
A project funded by
ACF Afghanistan Newsletter
April 2016
STRENGTHENING NUTRITION
INTERVENTIONS DESIGN, MONITORING
AND EVALUATION IN AFGHANISTAN
Monthly Achievements
Implementation of a SMART survey was initiated in Panjshir province (entire province) at the end
of March-early April. The survey is a follow up of the previous Rapid Nutrition Assessment (RNA)
that was conducted one year ago after the avalanche. The RNA had indicated high levels of
malnutrition in the covered zone. ACF, in consultation with PND and Nutrition Cluster, chose to
conduct a provincial assessment to assess the nutrition situation since there has been no response
following the previous RNA and there is a high likelihood that the nutrition situation has
deteriorated compared to the same time last year.
A SQUEAC assessment in Wardak province (5 districts) was initiated mid-March and will be
completed in April. The assessment is assessing the Out-patient therapeutic Program (OTP)
coverage and access in the 5 districts that have OTP services and are accessible. The findings from
the assessment can be extrapolated to the entire province to highlight the challenges and positive
aspects of access and coverage with regard to OTP services in Wardak.
The surveillance team conducted a 3 day Data Clinic in Kabul for the Assessment and information
management working group (AIM-WG) members with 12 participants (2 staff of the Provincial
Nutrition Department, 2 from different UN agencies, 8 from INGOs and BPHS partners). The data
Clinic objective was to define and standardize the methodology for nutrition assessments in
Afghanistan, set-up quality assurance mechanisms for the AIM-WG in order to enhance the
capacity of the AIM-WG in review, validation and utilization of results of assessments for decision
making and program design in Afghanistan.
Project duration:
May 2015 – April 2016
A project funded by
ACF Afghanistan Newsletter
April 2016
SPECIAL TARGETED EMERGENCY
ASSISTANCE FOR SHOCK AFFECTED AND
EXTREMELY VULNERABLE HOUSEHOLDS IN
CHAGHCHARAN DISTRICT, GHOR PROVINCE
Monthly Achievements
ACF intervention seeks to provide relief winterization assistance to vulnerable households of Chaghcharan
district affected by a shock in the last 12 months, whether due to natural disaster or conflict.
 Unconditional cash distribution, Chaghcharan: after reassessments of additional cases of urgent
high vulnerability situations, ACF ended the distribution of the second batch in March and the
winterization activities have been successfully completed:
- 7 distributions have been conducted in March for 546 households;
- A total of 568 vulnerable HH (3,897 people) were assisted with cash during winter (target 500 HH)
 NFI kits (3 blankets + clothes set for U5 + clothes set for babies) distribution, Allah Yar: despite
security issues, ACF managed the program and exceeded the planned target. Due to the huge and
urgent needs, ACF used its own contingency stock to cover the most vulnerable HH assessed on site:
- 1 distribution has been conducted in March for 50 households;
- A total of 508 vulnerable HH (4,156 people) were assisted with NFI kits in winter (target 400 HH)
Total: winterization assistance has been provided for 1,076 households (8,053 people).
ACF and stakeholders check for distribution
Project duration:
Dec. 2015 – April 2016
Hawala payment (Cash Distribution)
A project funded by
ACF Afghanistan Newsletter
April 2016
ADVOCACY ACTIVITIES
Advocacy strategy updates. Mission’s advocacy strategy is currently being finalized. The second
draft of the strategy capturing discussions around main issues and incorporating previous
comments was shared with the parties involved for their final feedback. The strategy to be sent for
endorsement in April.
Contributions to partner’s advocacy. ACF provided inputs for ACBAR’s briefing note to be
presented in World Humanitarian Summit to be held in Istanbul, 23-24 May. The briefing note
looks into main humanitarian issues in Afghanistan, including access to health services for the
most vulnerable and how these are affected by ongoing conflict. In addition, through bilateral
meetings with ACBAR Communications and Advocacy team, ACF provided support for drafting
ACBAR Advocacy and Communications strategy as well as aimed to mainstream nutrition/public
health related objectives to be reflected in the strategy.
Updates on SEHAT paper. ACF position paper was reviewed, comments from relevant actors
incorporated also providing additional information about methodology that was used while
drafting the paper. Following the discussions with the World Bank, ACF Advocacy is organizing
follow up meetings with GCMU as well as SEHAT third party monitors. The update about the paper
was shared with the Nutrition Cluster members, including questions raised about the necessity of
organizing a meeting with the World Bank for the BPHS/SEHAT review.
ACF Coverage Workshop and Advocacy. ACF Advocacy has been working on a briefing paper to be
presented during the Coverage Workshop/Training planned for the first week of May. The paper
aims to highlight main findings from last year coverage assessments as well as provide
recommendations and to urge relevant actors to take action regarding the main issues discovered.
ACF Afghanistan Newsletter
April 2016
ACRONYMS
ACTD: Afghanistan Center for Training and Development
BPHS: Basic Package of Health Services
CHW: Community Health Worker
NUTRITION
/ HEALTH
ADVOCACY
ENA: Essential Nutrition Actions
FHAG: Family Health Action Groups
FSL: Food Security & Livelihoods
FOOD
SECURITY
GAM: Global Acute Malnutrition
HF: Health Facility
HH: Household
IMAM: Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition
MoU: Memorandum of Understanding
NCA: Nutrition Causal Analysis
OTJ: On-the-job training
PDM: Post Monitoring Distribution
RNA: Rapid Nutrition Assessment
SAM: Severe Acute Malnutrition
SQUEAC: Semi –Quantitative Evaluation of Access and Coverage
SMART: Standardized Monitoring & Assessment of Relief and Transition
TFU: Therapeutic Feeding Unit
WASH: Water, Sanitation & Hygiene
WSUC: Water and Sanitation User Committee
WATER
SANITATION
HYGIENE
NFI