The Asia-Pacific Network for Food and Nutrition (APFNA) held a Regional Expert Consultation in Sri Lanka from 9 to 12 November 1999. The aim of the meeting was to discuss concrete actions on the establishment of FIVIMS in countries of the region. A total of 25 experts from 9 countries (Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Nepal, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Viet Nam) attended the meeting as well as representatives from WFP, UNICEF, FAO (regional and local offices and headquarters) as well as the appropriate government department officials from Sri Lanka. The two main agenda items were: (a) country status reports on the establishment of FIVIMS, and (b) identification of future actions and specific country strategies for improving urban nutrition as a follow-up to the NPAN.
Most governments represented had nominated national FIVIMS focal points. A matrix designed to describe the various stages of developing a national FIVIMS highlighted some interesting differences among countries. While most countries with focal points have created a national FIVIMS network/Taskforce (China being the exception), three of the nine countries had reviewed and assessed their existing food security databases or selected indicators for monitoring. The Philippines has developed a FIVIMS design and is currently working on the manual of operations (see above). An understanding of the reasons behind these differences could be very valuable in tailoring assistance to these country efforts.
Participants identified some areas where they felt the IAWG should be further involved in national FIVIMS work and made recommendations for action in support of FIVIMS by national participants. A further output of the workshop which should assist in strengthening FIVIMS in the region and elsewhere is the identification of factors that restrict and assist in the establishment and implementation of FIVIMS.
Most participants in the meeting expressed interest in being involved in the IAWG-FIVIMS meeting in Bali (see article below).
The 8th Round Table on SISVAN
The FAO Regional Office for Latin America and the Carribbean, in association with the Nutrition Division in FAO Headquarters, organised the 8th Round Table on SISVAN in Mexico City from 30 November to 3 December 1999. During this meeting an analysis was made of the present situation of nutritional profiles and implementation of FIVIMS in Latin American countries. Also strategies for the development of FIVIMS and the designation of FIVIMS focal points were promoted.
