Benin Launches Ambitious National Program Against Child Malnutrition -

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Faced with alarming rates of child malnutrition, the Government of Benin, in partnership with the National Food and Nutrition Agency (ANAN), has unveiled a new national strategy. This major initiative is being implemented through a Nutritional Supplementation Program (NSP) focused on the first 1,000 days of a child’s life.

A Critical Investment in Human Capital
Malnutrition is responsible for about 45% of annual deaths among children under the age of five. To combat this threat, the Government of Benin has introduced the NSP, which will be provided free of charge during the crucial 1,000-day window—from conception to a child’s second birthday. This represents a strategic investment in the development of national human capital.

According to Alain Hinkati, Director General of ANAN, this period is “critical” as it determines the child’s health potential and the development of all cognitive abilities.

“As an illustration, we note that more than one-third of children aged 0 to 5 suffer from stunted growth problems, and just under 10% of children in this age group suffer from acute malnutrition. The alarming situation therefore requires us to take a more pragmatic solution to put an end to this phenomenon, which is undermining the future of our children.”

Free Healthcare and Behavioral Change
This innovative project, led by ANAN (created in 2023 to coordinate public health initiatives), is designed to complement and strengthen existing interventions.

The NSP provides a concrete response to populations by supplying food supplements to pregnant women and infants aged 0 to 6 months. In addition, the program covers the costs of prenatal consultations, making them free of charge.

Beyond providing essential nutrients, this initiative also aims to foster lasting behavioral changes in favor of better nutrition.

Progressive Implementation
The rollout of the Nutritional Supplementation Program will be gradual. In 2025, 13 of the country’s 77 municipalities will be the first to be enrolled. The objective is to extend the program nationwide by 2027.