The National Nutrition Action Plan 2012-2017 (NNAP) is guided by the Food and Nutrition Security Policy (FNSP, 2012) and Food and Nutrition Security Strategy (FSNS, draft 2008). The

NNAP is as a result of nutrition situation analysis and extensive consultations with nutrition stakeholders. The purpose of the NNAP is to provide a framework for coordinating implementation of nutrition interventions by the government and nutrition stakeholders for maximum impact at all levels. The priority nutrition areas spelt out in the FSNS provided a conceptual guide to the development of the National Nutrition Action Plan, which further identified strategic objectives each with corresponding activities and expected outcomes outlined as follows:

1. To improve the nutritional status of women of reproductive age (15-49 years)
2. To improve the nutrition status of children under five years of age.
3. To reduce the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies in the population
4. To prevent deterioration of nutritional status and save lives of vulnerable groups in emergencies
5. To improve access to curative nutrition services
6. To improve prevention, management and control of diet related non communicable diseases
7. To improve nutrition in schools, private and public institutions
8. To improve knowledge, attitudes and practices on optimal nutrition among the population
9. To strengthen nutrition surveillance, monitoring and evaluation systems
10. To enhance evidence-based decision making through operations research
11. To strengthen coordination and partnerships among the key nutrition actors
12. The above strategic objectives from NNAP will form the pillars of M&E framework