{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Analyzing the impact of an MDG-Fund program on childhood malnutrition in Timor-Leste.
{Author}: Van der Spek L;Sonneveld BGJS;
{Journal}: J Health Popul Nutr
{Volume}: 43
{Issue}: 1
{Year}: 2024 Apr 4
{Factor}: 2.966
{DOI}: 10.1186/s41043-024-00539-x
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Timor-Leste's food insecurity, propelled by political conflicts, a fragile economy and biophysical limitations that characterize mountainous Small Island Developing States (SIDS), is expressed in a high incidence (50%) of stunted children. Hence, the Millennium Development Goals Achievement Fund's Joint Program's (MDG-F JP) in 2009 was a timely intervention to reduce prevalence of underweight among under-fives. Since the impact of the program remains largely unclear, the current study investigates the contributions of the MDG-F JP on improving children's nutritional status in Timor-Leste, in order to inform policymakers on how to make future programs more effective.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>Using bivariate analyses and multiple linear regression models we analyzed Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from under-fives in 2009-2010 and 2016, combined with spatially explicit data from geographic information systems (GIS). The analyses generated trends and factors associated with undernutrition, which were used in a quasi-experimental setting to compare districts that received the MDG-F JP with similar districts that did not receive MDG-F JP interventions.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>A comprehensive set of factors dependent on seasons, locations, and individuals determine undernutrition in Timor-Leste. A positive impact of the MDG-F JP was found for the average severity of wasting, but not for stunting and underweight.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>The findings reinforce the pressing need for integrated and cross-sectoral programs, aimed especially at agricultural workers, mothers, and children. The agricultural challenge is to sustainably select, produce and conserve higher-yield and nutrient-rich crops, and educational enhancement should be aligned with local practices and research.