How coordinated, multisectoral nutrition responses are saving lives in Honduras

Honduras faces a deepening humanitarian crisis, with over a quarter of its population in urgent need of support due to climate-related disasters, poverty, violence, and the growing needs of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Recurrent floods and storms displace thousands, leaving communities without shelter, clean water, or access to food and nutrition security, increasing malnutrition risks–especially for children and vulnerable families.

The first half of 2024 was particularly devastating, with climate-induced livelihood losses and escalating migration flows significantly worsening vulnerabilities in the country. In response, the Honduras Nutrition Working Group, led by UNICEF and SESAL (Honduras Ministry of Health), coordinated  targeted nutrition interventions with support from CERF (UN's global emergency response fund). Working in close collaboration with the Child Protection Area of Responsibility Honduras, and the WASH and Global Protection clusters, life-saving nutrition assistance was delivered to children and families affected by or at risk of acute malnutrition.

Impact of coordinated nutrition efforts in high-risk areas, and follow-up challenges

Nutrition teams operated in border areas, host communities, and Centers for Attention to Returned Migrants (CAMR) in the particularly high-risk areas of Sula Valley –where families frequently experience climate shocks and high malnutrition rates– and Santa Fe, Ocotepeque, a key migration corridor. Over 37,000 children under five (CU5) were screened for malnutrition across 73 communities.

Among the children screened, 118 (44 boys and 74 girls) had moderate acute malnutrition, and 28 (13 boys and 15 girls) had severe acute malnutrition. All received referrals for treatment, and 71% successfully recovered through nutritional care and complementary vital services. However, follow-up care remains a challenge, as 29% of cases involve children in a situation of human mobility, who often left after only receiving initial treatment.

Additionally, 41,693 children (20,763 boys and 20,930 girls) and 7,251 pregnant and breastfeeding women received essential nutrition supplements to prevent micronutrient deficiencies.

Holistic health and nutrition services, and capacity strengthening for lasting impact

To ensure a comprehensive approach to improving the health and nutrition of CU5, this multisectoral response provided essential complementary services, including access to safe drinking water, unconditional cash transfers, and education on good household hygiene habits. Protection services also played a key role by supporting the reintegration of forcibly returned migrant children and monitoring children in communities affected by violence. Caregivers were encouraged to attend nutrition check-ups, ensuring continued support for at-risk children. 

To strengthen local capacity, 232 healthcare workers completed training in the Simplified Approaches protocol for treating acute malnutrition. Furthermore, 7,493 people –including caregivers, 7.5% of whom were men– received guidance on child and adolescent protection to help create safer, more nurturing environments for children and youth.

In emergency contexts, ensuring adequate nutrition with minimum standards is vital to saving lives and preventing disease. Providing culturally and nutritionally appropriate food, along with essential supplements, is crucial for the health and survival of children and affected communities.

To learn more or ask for support, contact the Honduras Nutrition Working Group.