REACH started operations in Nepal in 2012, focusing on support to the National Planning Commission (NPC) and to relevant ministries to review annual plans and budget regarding nutrition-sensitive activities. Other priorities include the development of a harmonized nutrition information system, capacity building in relevant ministries on nutrition-specific and sensitive interventions at national and local levels, and support to the food and nutrition secretariat at the NPC.

REACH objectives

1. Support the development of a monitoring and evaluation framework, as part of the multisectoral nutrition plan of action, with links to implementation and management systems at district level.
2. Support the development of methodology and best practices for district-level multisectoral planning and management of nutrition actions, in close coordination or collaboration with the World Bank planned efforts to identify and implement cost-effective interventions. Initially focused on 12 districts prioritized by the National Planning Commission for modelling. 
3. Assist in linking the national policy objectives to programming at the district level, to show how nutrition can be scaled-up successfully by involving key sectors and stakeholders (e.g., health, agriculture, education, WASH, local development). REACH will help assess capacity needs and institutional challenges to provide tailored training and guidance on how to build the required governance and management capacity within relevant ministries.
4. Support the development of a joint advocacy strategy with an emphasis on stunting and on the critical 1000 days (vulnerability, risks/consequences, prevention and role of women), particularly targeted to adolescent girls and youth.