REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: ANALYSING THE LANDSCAPE OF LESOTHO’S OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY ENVIRONMENT INCLUDING A FOCUS ON SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN
1. BACKGROUND
The Government of Lesotho recognizes the importance of adequate nutrition for human development and has shown political commitment through frameworks such as the National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP II, 2018/19 – 2022/23), the National Food and Nutrition Strategy, and the National School Health and Nutrition Policy. Despite these efforts, malnutrition remains a significant public health issue. The 2023#24 LDHS reports that 36% of children under five are stunted, indicating chronic malnutrition, while 2% are wasted, reflecting acute malnutrition.
Additionally, 7% of children in this age group are overweight, highlighting the emerging issue of overnutrition. Among adolescent girls aged 15/19, 12% are underweight, and 21% are overweight or obese, underscoring the double burden of malnutrition in this demographic. Dietary patterns reveal obesogenic environments: 36% of children consumed sweetened beverages, 22% ate unhealthy food, and 38% lacked fruits or vegetables. These factors predispose them to non-communicable diseases, increasing healthcare burdens. Addressing malnutrition during middle childhood and adolescence is crucial for fostering long-term health, growth, and learning. However, progress has been slow, and current policies lack sufficient focus on these age groups. There is an urgent need to enhance school- and community-based nutrition initiatives and update multisectoral nutrition plans to incorporate adolescent-specific strategies. Robust data and comprehensive evidence are essential for prioritizing actions and informing program priorities and approaches.
2. SCOPE OF WORK
The overall purpose is to conduct a comprehensive landscape analysis of the food environment including that of school-age children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 years in Lesotho to identify systemic gaps, trends, and opportunities across policies, programs, data sources, stakeholder engagement, and the school nutrition environment.
Closing date: 20 August 2025