Delivering for Nutrition in South Asia: Agenda – Day 3

DELIVERING FOR NUTRITION IN SOUTH ASIA: AGENDA – DAY 3

Register About D4N2024 Concept Note Call for Abstracts Comms Toolkit Logistics

Agenda-Day 1 Agenda-Day 2 Agenda-Day 3

Thursday, December 5, 2024

All conference presentations are linked through their titles on this page.
Simply hover over a presentation title and click to access it.

Plenary Session: Approaches to connecting the dots around food systems and nutrition: Evidence to policy and action

Time: 09:00-10:30 (Sri Lanka Time) | Venue: Lotus Ballroom

Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88634144187

Co-chairs

Arti Ahuja, Former Secretary, Government of India & Purnima Menon, Senior Director for Food and Nutrition, IFPRI/CGIAR

Opening remarks by co-chairs
Presentations
Q&A
Closing remarks by co-chairs

Time: 10:30-11:00

Tea Break & Group Photo


Parallel Thematic Sessions

Time: 11:00-12:15 (Sri Lanka Time) | Venue: Lotus Ballroom

THEMATIC SESSION 5a: Food access: constraints and facilitators

Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88634144187

Co-Chairs

Taherul Islam Khan, Director, Bangladesh National Nutrition Council (BNNC) & Geeta Sethi, Advisor and Global Lead for Food Systems, World Bank

Opening remarks by co-chairs
Oral presentations
Influence of Disasters on the Urban Poor’s Food Environments and Security

Nisha Arunatilake, Director of Research, Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka

Understanding the impact of disasters and climate displacement on food and water security in Pakistan

Sidra Khalid, Gender and Social Inclusion Researcher, International Water Management Institute

Food Insecurity, Nutritional Deficiencies, and Academic Challenges: Evaluation among Undergraduates at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

L.M.F. Safna, Graduate, University of Peradeniya

Predictors of changes in household food insecurity in rural, non-slum urban and slum areas of Bangladesh: Evidence from a longitudinal study

Md Mokbul Hossain, Senior Analyst (Statistics), BRAC University

An assessment of a food-based social protection program and its impact on food and nutrition security in the targeted households in Bangladesh

Md Mahbubur Rahman, Research Director, Food Planning and Monitoring Unit, Ministry of Food, Government of Bangladesh

Q&A
Rapid-fire presentations
Determinants of Household Dietary Diversity in Bangladesh: Role of Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture

Md Sadat Anowar, Research Analyst, International Food Policy Research Institute

Unequal Plates: Dietary Diversity and Nutritional Inequality among Population with Limited Resources

Punit Mishra, Lead, Research and Partnerships, Population Council

Exploring Food Insecurity and Support in Slum Areas of Bangladesh during COVID-19: Lessons for Future Emergencies in Light of “Right to Food”

Nazia Islam, Learning, Evaluation and Documentation Specialist, BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University

Food and nutritional diversity by ethnicity in Nepal

Binod Khanal, Post doctoral researcher, Prairie View A&M University

Strengthening Urban Food Security through Enhanced Food Safety Practices in West Bengal

Namita Das, PhD Scholar, Natural Science Research Center, Belda College, Vidyasagar University & Project Manager, Samposhyam Foundation

Closing remarks by chair
Time: 11:00-12:15 (Sri Lanka Time) | Venue: Spice Rooms (Saffron & Ginger)

Thematic Session 5b: Addressing nutrition challenges in vulnerable populations

Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86472260169

Co-chairs

Mini Varghese, Country Director, Nutrition International, India & Renuka Jayatissa, Vice Chancellor, International Institute of Health Sciences (IIHS)

Opening remarks by co-chairs
Oral presentations
Enhancing Nutrition Through Home-Grown School Meal Programs: Policy, Governance, and Capacity Building in Rural Nepal

Pragya Thapaliya, Programme Manager, Mercy Corps

Empowering Adolescent Girls through Food Security and Economic Empowerment: Evidence from Bangladesh

Afsana Habib Sheuly, Head of Nutrition and Health, Helen Keller International

Diversifying food plates of tribal farmer households of Dangs by changing behaviour patterns around millets

Alfa Gadhavi, Deputy Manager (Health & Nutrition), Aga Khan Rural Support Programme

Double burden of malnutrition and its determinants among adolescent girls and boys (10-19 years): Evidence from a nationwide longitudinal survey in Bangladesh

Fahmida Akter, Assistant Scientist, BRAC University

Hidden Hunger: A Longitudinal Study of Nutritional Insecurity among Non-Poor Tribal and Non-Tribal Households in West Bengal, India

Pinaki Das, Professor, Vidyasagar University

Q&A
Rapid-fire presentations
Prevalence and determinants of the Double Burden of Malnutrition among Adolescents in Nepal: Results from an urban sample

Dirghayu K.C., Research Coordinator, Public Health Promotion and Development Organization

The importance of revisiting regional inequalities in the nutrition status of women and children: an empirical study from India

P Shirisha, Project Research Scientist-II, ICMR-National Institute of Epidemiology

Factors associated with different form of malnutrition and their co-existence among 6-59 Months old children in Bangladesh: Findings from a Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey

Farhana Rinky, Research Assistant, Center for NCD and Nutrition, BRAC JPG School of Public Health, BRAC University and Institute of Food Science and Technology

Impact Evaluation of Community Clinic Intervention on Maternal Healthcare Utilization in the Slums of Delhi

Raj Kumar, Research Scholar, Jawaharlal Nehru University

Nutritional Antenatal Care Strategies

Rahima Yasin, Research Coordinator, Institute of Global Health and Development, the Aga Khan University Hospital

Closing remarks by co-chairs

Time: 12:15-13:15 (Sri Lanka time) | Venue: Lotus Ballroom Foyer

Lunch

Time: 13:15-14:30 | Venue: Lotus Ballroom

THEMATIC SESSION 6a: Nutrition knowledge and access to information

Zoom Link:https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88634144187

Co-Chairs

Pulani Lanerolle, Professor, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka & Melanie Connor, Senior Scientist, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)

Opening remarks by co-chairs
Oral presentations
Enhancing Nutritional Security Through Agri-Nutri Smart Villages: An Index-Based Approach in Telangana and Uttar Pradesh

Pagadala Sai Priyanka, Subject Matter Specialist – Agricultural Extension, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Telangana

Students’ and Parents’ Perspectives on Establishing Sound School Food Literacy Education and the School Food Environment

Menikgedara Poornima Sujeewa Rathnayake, PhD Candidate/Nutritionist, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka

Effect of adolescent-led school-based intervention for improving adolescents nutrition in selected schools of Sarlahi district: a mixed methods study

Neha Malla, Co-Founder/Director of Programs, Social Changemakers And Innovators (SOCHAI)

Transforming Diets in Low-Income Communities: The Impact of Public-Private Partnerships and Nutrition-Sensitive Interventions in Assam’s Tea Estates

Aishwarya Choubey, Project Manager, Workforce Nutrition, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition

Q&A
Rapid-fire presentations
Empowering Urban Youth: Innovative Approaches to Tackle Malnutrition through School-Based Nutrition Programs in Bangladesh

Mortahina Rashid, Technical Specialist-Nutrition, Sustainable Agriculture Foundation

Dietary diversity among 5-9 years old children in Bangladesh: findings from a nationally representative survey

Shahnaz Sharmin, Research Associate, BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University

Participatory Open Access Food Systems Dashboard Empowers South Asian Nations with Evidence-Based Decision Making

Sabiha Sultana, Global Coordinator, Country Food Systems Dashboard, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition

Community-led monitoring and advocacy to strengthen nutrition outcomes under the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram: Implementation experience from Uttar Pradesh, India

Anwesha Chatterjee, Deputy Director, SAHAYOG Society for Participatory Rural Development

Situation of food safety, hygiene, and nutritional knowledge of household cooks living in different divisions of Bangladesh

Nepal Chandra Dey, Chief Investigator, The World Bank Group

Closing remarks by co-chairs
Time: 13:15-14:30 | Venue: Spice rooms (Saffron & Ginger)

THEMATIC SESSION 6b: Digital innovations across food and health systems

Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86472260169

Co-Chairs

Mevan Peiris, CEO, Hatch & Bendula Wismen, Manager, CGIAR Nutrition, Health and Food Security Impact Area Platform

Opening remarks by co-chairs
Oral presentations
An innovative digital application ‘MAAP’: Empowering mothers for proactively detecting malnutrition in children and taking informed action within existing nutrition ecosystem

Pawankumar Patil, Director – Technical & Research, Action Against Hunger

AI and Blockchain Abetted Energy Access for E-Cooking and Post-Harvest Management

Manojit Ray, Visiting Research Fellow, University of Toronto

Efficacy of a Personalized Mobile Health Application in Improving Micronutrient Supplement Use among Pregnant Women in Karachi, Pakistan- A Parallel Group Randomized Controlled Trial

Khadija Vadsaria, Doctoral Candidate, Aga Khan University

Scaling up Nutritional Progress in Aspirational Districts of India: Insights from a Data-Driven Tool to Ensure Last Mile Tracking

Asif Ali, PhD Research Scholar in Department of Geography, University of Burdwan

Development and validation of an electronic application (FoodEapp) to assess the dietary intake of adults in Karachi, Pakistan

Umber Suhail Khan, Consultant, Aga Khan University

Q&A
Rapid-fire presentations
Acceptability, likability, and usability of smart devices to track and improve food choices among adolescent girls

Hitihami Mudiyanselage Nilmini Jayalath Karunarathna, PhD student, Department of Applied Nutrition, Faculty of Livestock Fisheries & Nutrition, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka

Enhancing health systems through digital innovations: Insights from Nepal’s Transforming Lives through Nutrition Project

Raj Nandan Mandal, Sr Project Manager, Helen Keller International

The Role of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technology in Enhancing Nutritional Health in Sri Lanka

Gammadde Hewa Malindya Ravihari Jayasekara, Graduate Student, University of Peradeniya

Strengthening Neonatal Healthcare System in underserved areas: Leveraging Advanced Telehealth (Tele-SNCU (Special Newborn Care Unit)) Hub-and-Spoke Models to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Neonatal Mortality Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target

Roshan Charandas Mendhe, Program Officer, PATH

Developing an AI Chatbot to Help Users Explore and Understand Food Policies: A Proof-of-Concept Test focused on Bangladesh

Stella Nordhagen, Research Lead, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition

Closing remarks by co-chairs

Time: 14:30-15:00

Tea Break

Parallel Learning Labs

Time: 15:00-16:15 (Sri Lanka Time)
Venue: Lotus Ballroom

Learning session 3a: FRESH Perspectives: A practical session on integrating lived experiences into Food Environments research

Host: Institute of Development Studies and Colombo Urban Lab

Zoom link: N/A – In person only

Learning objectives:

  • Learn about the application of integrated methods including participatory photography (‘Photovoice’) in food environment research
  • Learn about the practical considerations and lessons of applying this methodology from those with recent experience.
  • Understand the ‘nuts and bolts’ of making a StoryMap to layer different data sources
  • Experience Photovoice both as a participant and a facilitator to bolster understanding and confidence to apply it.
  • Build a friendly network of practitioners in this field

No. of participants: Maximum 40

Expected attendees: Researchers, civil society, and NGOs seeking to understand food environments from a lived experience perspective and those wanting to learn how to use different mediums of presenting research findings for wider audiences and purposes (such as advocacy).

Level: This is suitable for participants who have experience working within the food and nutrition sector as well as those conducting research in this area.

This session requires a basic knowledge of research methodology, especially qualitative research, and curiosity to explore food environments from a new perspective.

Mode: In person

Click here for the learning lab materials

Venue: Spice Rooms (Saffron & Ginger)

Learning session 3b: Methods for estimating beneficiary populations targeted by health and nutrition interventions for women, pregnant women, infants, young children, and adolescents

Host: IFPRI

Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86472260169

Learning objectives:

  • Understand the importance of having estimates for populations eligible for and covered by health and nutrition interventions across the continuum of care
  • Learn to identify health and nutrition interventions delivered across the continuum of care for a selected country
  • Learn to identify target populations for each intervention from the selected country
  • Learn to estimate the populations targeted and covered by each intervention through using the case studies of India and Nepal
  • Briefly learn about advantages and disadvantages of different methods applied in public health and nutrition for estimating target populations

No. of participants: 20-25 participants to facilitate discussions between workshop convenors and participants

Expected attendees: Public health and nutrition professionals involved in supporting implementation of interventions; researchers working in the field of public health and nutrition

Level: Intermediate (Participants must have a basic understanding of commonly conducted surveys that collect information on health and nutrition interventions such as DHS and MIC. Participants are also encouraged to explore population databases such as the United Nations World Population Prospect database prior to the session. However, convenors will provide assistance to participants in learning to access these surveys and databases)

Mode: Hybrid

Click here for the learning lab materials

Venue: Spice room (Tamarind)

Learning session 3c: Curriculum Enrichment Workshop: Interdisciplinary Teaching & Learning

Host: ANH Academy

Learning objectives:

  • To showcase the ANH Academy’s Curriculum Enrichment Training of Trainers (ToT) Programme and its impact on fostering interdisciplinary teaching approaches in agriculture, nutrition, and health-related topics.
  • Facilitate dialogue and teaching among university educators, policymakers, and development practitioners on the importance of integrating these approaches to support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

No. of participants: Open

Expected attendees: University educators, particularly those from the Asian region, who are interested in incorporating interdisciplinary approaches to agriculture, nutrition, and health-related topics into their teaching. Representatives from government agencies, international development organisations, and the private sector involved in supporting higher education and capacity development initiatives may also be invited to participate.

Level: Basic

Mode: In person only

Click here for the learning lab materials


Time: 16:15-16:30

Change Room

Plenary: Conference Closing & Prize Distribution

Time: 16:30-17:00 (Sri Lanka Time) | Venue: Lotus Ballroom

Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88634144187

Conference Summary

Neha Kumar, Senior Research Fellow, International Food Policy Research Institute

Samuel Scott, Research Fellow, International Food Policy Research Institute

Swetha Manohar, Research Fellow, International Food Policy Research Institute

Prize Distribution
Closing Remarks

Shakuntala Haraksingh Thilsted, Director for Nutrition, Health and Food Security Impact Area Platform, CGIAR


D4N2020  D4N2021 D4N2022 D4N2023