Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
References
Interests
Disclaimer
NATIONAL NUTRITIONAL ASSESSMENTS PARTICIPATED IN
MOH,URC/NuLife and HIV/AIDS Alliance: Training in Food and Nutrition Interventions for People Living with and affected by HIV/AIDS (East and Central Regions)
NuLife/URC Consultancy on World Breast Feeding Week 2008 and IYCF policy guidelines
CAPACITY BUILDING AND ON-JOB TECHNICAL SUPPORT TO Maternal, Child Health and Nutrition (MCHN) SITES IN KARAMOJA REGION-Nakapiripirit District
Timeline
Generic

Mary Nabisere

Nutrition Officer
Kampala

Summary

Graduate of Manchester Metropolitan University with a master’s degree in Public Health and a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from Kyambogo University, Kampala. Over 10 years of experience in health and nutrition programs, including significant contributions to local USAID-funded projects and UNICEF initiatives. Expertise includes roles as a Nutritionist, IYCF Consultant, Lactation Consultant, and Quality Improvement Advisor. Notable achievements include leading the development of a comprehensive multisectoral web-based food and nutrition portal for UNICEF Ethiopia. Currently serving as the Nutrition Officer (Infant and Young Child Feeding/Micronutrients) with UNICEF Uganda, demonstrating a strong commitment to enhancing child development and well-being through evidence-based practices and collaborative teamwork.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
10
10
Certifications
1
1
Language

Work History

Nutrition Officer

UNICEF (Uganda)
04.2019 - Current
  • MIYCAN, including early childhood nutrition (IYCF, BFHI), maternal nutrition, adolescent nutrition. In my role I have supported MoH to finalise the MIYCAN guidelines and action plan. Supported the drafting of the BFHI implementation guidance and the regulations on the marketing of infant and young child foods, pending approval by senior management team.
  • As ECD focal person, ensured the integration of components for nurturing care in the MIYCAN guidelines and action plan. Drafted and integrated a module on ECD in the MIYCAN training packages where it was previously non-existent
  • In my role as ECD focal person, I supported the equipping of nine In-patient Therapeutic Care Units in Karamoja to make them child friendly in line with the National IECD Policy and MIYCAN guidelines
  • Provided input and facilitated the reviews and finalisation of the Nutrition Advocacy & Communication strategy for Uganda, working collaboratively with OPM as the lead. This strategy serves as the communication arm of the Uganda Nutrition Action Plan (UNAPII). It clearly spells out as one of the outcomes: to improve access to Integrated Early Childhood Development (IECD) services, and quality education and sports for improved nutrition. The NACS II is with OPM for approval
  • Linkages to WASH unit to ensure improvement of access to safe drinking-water and sanitation and better hygiene practices
  • Implementation of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk substitutes and maternity protection
  • Overall support to Nutrition Specialist (nutrition-specific interventions) and OiC role for that position
  • Grant management: IYCF thematic funds to roll out MIYCAN activities
  • Position: Nutrition Officer- IYCF/Micronutrients
  • Organization: UNICEF Uganda
  • Date: April 2019 To Date

IYCF Nutrition Specialist

UNICEF (Ethiopia)
05.2018 - 03.2019
  • Led the national BFHI ToT for Federal MoH staff, regional nutritionists, MCH experts, and midwives from regional hospitals.
  • Part of the core team involved in the review and update of guidelines e.g. BFHI, Management of Acute Malnutrition- with a key focus on IYCFE
  • Working collaboratively with FMoH, led the development of a Comprehensive Integrated Nutrition Service (CINUS) implementation guideline for Ethiopia (quick reference guide for service providers) incorporating high impact nutrition interventions on GMP, Targeted counselling on appropriate IYCF and child care practices; Micronutrient deficiency control; screening and management of acute malnutrition; Multi-sectoral linkages to strengthen nutrition sensitive activities with community level education, agriculture, social protection (PSNP), and WASH programmes.
  • Working collaboratively with IT specialist, led the development of an online CINuS digital hub to make accessible all nutrition resources relevant to implementation of CINUS for FMoH and partners working in Nutrition
  • Developed advocacy materials for high level policy makers and stakeholders to continue/increase investment in nutrition with a focus on the scale up of the CINuS
  • Position: International IYCF Nutrition consultant
  • Organization: UNICEF Ethiopia
  • Date: May 2018 To March 2019

Nutritionist

RTI International (USA)
10.2017 - 12.2017
  • Worked as the key ‘on the ground’ technical resource for RTI International in gathering information and intelligence that informed the development of a performance work statement that was submitted to USAID for a new project on integrated community agriculture and nutrition.
  • Reviewed national level policies, strategies and action plans on health and nutrition, education, gender and agriculture and teased out key government recommendations to prioritise in addressing health, food and nutrition challenges
  • Through key informant interviews at district local government levels in Acholi, Kigezi and Karamoja regions, collected location-specific information on maximising nutrition outcomes for vulnerable groups through different sector engagements that was used to develop a strategy that is practical, implementable and grounded in local context.
  • Conducted meetings with key informants in GoU ministries (health and nutrition, agriculture, gender), current and past USAID funded projects, and other UN institutions to understand their engagement in the various aspects of the ICAN project.
  • Identified key local organizations that could work as partners on the team or as resources for implementation.
  • Organised and participated in all proposal-related meetings with all stakeholders and partners.
  • Provided technical input in writing the nutrition component on improving nutrition status of women and children for the proposal.
  • Position: Nutrition Consultant
  • Organization: Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International
  • Date: October 2017 to December 2017

Quality Improvement Advisor

USAID
10.2012 - 09.2017
  • Supported MoH in rolling out technical policies, through training of VHTs, health facility and district staff, and providing routine coaching and mentorship to ensure compliance and quality assurance.
  • Supported district local governments and health facilities to implement MoH nutrition priorities e.g. Promoting good Maternal Infant Young Child Adolescent Nutrition (MIYCAN) practices; improve household production of nutritious foods through facility based demonstration gardens; integrate NACs into routine services, etc.
  • Formulating strategies, development, and review of technical health and nutrition policy guidelines in addition to implementation through the national health system structures.
  • Supported linkages with existing community structures at village, parish, sub county and district levels to ensure coordination
  • Identified and fostered collaborations with VHTs, CSOs and CBOs under the district local governments structures to strengthen the linkage between communities and points of care to improve access coverage and utilisation of community and facility based nutritional services
  • Capacity building of VHTs to improve care and feeding practices for infants and children, maternal nutrition, hygiene, sanitation
  • Piloted integration of nutrition care and support through NACS approach in HIV/AIDS care that led to improvement in Viral Load suppression of children and adolescents in 6 health facilities in Lamwo and Otuke districts in Northern Uganda.
  • Reviewed and approved all activity plans from field staff
  • Conducted regular field trips to mentor, coach and supervise field staff
  • Position: Quality Improvement Advisor
  • Organization: URC/USAID ASSIST PROJECT
  • Date: October, 2012 to September 2017

Maternal Newborn and Child Health Consultant

USAID HCI PROJECT
06.2011 - 09.2012
  • Supported the MoH, through a demonstration collaborative, to improve the quality of essential newborn care, including neonatal resuscitation, management of the sick newborn, and postpartum follow-up in the first month after birth
  • Developed a detailed implementation plan for MNCH in Masaka and Luwero to improve facility deliveries
  • Led the implementation of MNCH community interventions with VHTs to improve facility deliveries and reduce new born and maternal mortality in two districts
  • Built capacity of VHTs to improve care and feeding practices for infants and children, maternal nutrition, hygiene, sanitation, and linkages to relevant maternal and child health services
  • Supported district local governments and health facilities to promote good Maternal Infant Young Child Adolescent Nutrition practices i.e. optimal breastfeeding, appropriate and safe complementary feeding, healthy diets and eating habits, counselling and support
  • Involved in the development of tools and training materials (VHT Maternal/newborn care training booklet
  • Developed, printed and distributed health facility based and community based health education messages for pregnant and breastfeeding women
  • Position: MNCH Community consultant
  • Organization: USAID-Health Care Improvement Project
  • Date: June 2011 - September 2012

Nutritionist (BFHI)

USAID NULIFE PROJECT
08.2009 - 05.2011
  • Implemented comprehensive nutrition care for PLHIV across 54 health facilities
  • Organised and facilitated trainings in comprehensive nutrition care for PLHIV
  • Rolled out the Outpatient Therapeutic care including handling the RUTF commodity to the sites and supply chain management at that level.
  • Supported appropriate and safer feeding practices through promoting, protecting and supporting breastfeeding
  • Was part of the team that conducted the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) internal assessment to increase awareness and support for breastfeeding in maternity hospitals and facilities providing services for mothers and babies
  • Participated in adopting the WHO BFHI training manual with accompanying job aides. With these, carried out a 20hour BFHI training course for 30 facility based health care providers from Jinja and Iganga Hospitals.
  • Used the MoH BFHI strategy to expand the capacity of Jinja Regional Referral Hospital to support mothers successfully prepare for and initiate breastfeeding and Successfully supported Jinja RRH to attain BFHI status
  • Supported the development of the Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition guidelines and operational standards including the training packages and job AIDS
  • Supported the development of the MIYCF framework for Uganda including the IYCF guidelines, capacity building package, MIYCF implementation framework
  • Supported the Nutrition in HIV/AIDs operational guidelines and roll out plan.
  • Documented 9 success stories from experience of beneficiaries of the OTC programme, role of community volunteers in follow up, and 34 phase 1 health facilities profiles
  • Organised and facilitated trainings in comprehensive nutrition care for PLHIV, and regional coaches meetings
  • Position: Nutritionist/Baby Friendly Health Facility Initiative Coordinator
  • Organization: USAID-Food and Nutrition Interventions for Uganda (NULIFE)
  • Date: August 2009-May 2011

Programme Officer IYCF

IBFAN Uganda
08.2007 - 07.2009
  • In charge of design and development of all information, education and communication materials, including IBFAN Uganda newsletters, world breastfeeding week (WBW) materials, translation of IYCF and PMTCT training and counseling materials
  • National supervisor in 3 national nutritional assessments supported by UNICEF and UN-WFP to review the nutrition and health status of children aged 6 to 59 months and women of reproductive age.
  • Conducted a training of 15 health workers in Abim district, Karamoja region in community Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF), and basics to Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV/AIDS.
  • Part of the Technical working group for world breastfeeding week (WBW) that developed WBW advocacy, IEC materials in 2008 and 2009.
  • Coordinated WBW 2009 radio and TV programmes on more than 5 radio stations in Kampala to sensitize public on breastfeeding being the lifesaving response in emergencies
  • Participated in the code monitoring of breast milk substitutes and promotion of breastfeeding at teenage centers.
  • Position: ASSISTANT PROGRAMME OFFICER NUTRITION REHABILITATION/IEC
  • Organization: IBFAN-UGANDA
  • Date: Aug-2007-July-2009

Intern nutritionist

Mulago National referral hospital
09.2005 - 03.2007
  • Identification of Malnutrition using Clinical, Anthropometric, Biochemical and Dietary methods at community or lower level health facility
  • Held Nutrition/Health education sessions in the rehabilitation phase and Supplementary Feeding Centre of the nutrition unit
  • Followed up 2 Case studies through the three different recovery phases on the unit.
  • Position: INTERN NUTRITIONIST
  • Organization: MWANAMUGIMU NUTRITION UNIT MULAGO NATIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL IBFAN-UGANDA
  • Date: Sept/2005-Mar/2007

Education

Master’s - Public Health

The Manchester Metropolitan University
The United Kingdom
01.2017

Bachelor of Science Degree - Human Nutrition and Dietetics (BSc.HND)

Kyambogo University
Kampala, Uganda
01.2007

Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education - UACE

Makerere College School
Kampala
01.2003

Uganda Certificate of Education - UCE

Makerere College School
Kampala
01.2001

Skills

  • Extensive background in health and nutrition
  • Strategic project management abilities
  • Program design and evaluation expertise
  • Community engagement expertise
  • Experience with diverse team collaboration
  • Proficient in navigating organizational complexities
  • Strong interpersonal skills with diverse groups
  • Strong verbal and written communication
  • Strong writing proficiency for official documents
  • Detail-oriented planning expertise
  • IT proficiency: MS-Word, MS-Excel, SPSS, Nutri-Survey, ENA by SMART, Epi-Info

Certification

Certificate: Early Childhood Programming in the Field Awarding institution: UNICEF

References

Uma, Palaniappan, Nutrition Specialist, upalaniappan@unicef.org, UNICEF, Uganda, Uganda

Interests

Travelling, Reading, Music and Drama

Disclaimer

I declare that the information submitted herein is true to the best of my knowledge, and I hereby agree to forfeit my chances if proved otherwise.

NATIONAL NUTRITIONAL ASSESSMENTS PARTICIPATED IN

  • Survey title: Nutrition and Health assessment in Karamoja region using SMART methodology
  • Year: February, September 2008 and April 2009
  • Role: National supervisor- Kaabong and Abim districts
  • A joint collaboration of IBFAN Uganda, UNICEF and UN-WFP, to review the Nutrition and Health status of children aged 6 to 59 months and women.
  • Achievements
  • Trained 30selected district enumerators in carrying health and nutrition assessments.
  • Assessed more than 1000 children(6-59 months) and women (reproductive age group 15-49yrs) in issues of health and nutrition
  • Coordinated and supervised the data collection process in the field
  • Supervised Focus Group Discussions with community leaders to identify key factors contributing to malnutrition and poor health
  • Held Key Informant interviews with District and health officials to identify factors contributing to malnutrition and poor health

MOH,URC/NuLife and HIV/AIDS Alliance: Training in Food and Nutrition Interventions for People Living with and affected by HIV/AIDS (East and Central Regions)

  • Oriented health facility In charges, and stakeholders; on how to incorporate nutrition care and support in the ART treatment support being provided to People living with HIV/AIDS
  • Participated in training of more than 100 Network Support Agents (NSAs).

NuLife/URC Consultancy on World Breast Feeding Week 2008 and IYCF policy guidelines

Part of the Technical Working Group from NuLife that developed the WBW materials 2008 and contributed to finalization of the IYCF Uganda policy guidelines launched April 2009.

CAPACITY BUILDING AND ON-JOB TECHNICAL SUPPORT TO Maternal, Child Health and Nutrition (MCHN) SITES IN KARAMOJA REGION-Nakapiripirit District

  • The Ministry Of Health, together with UN-WFP, prioritizes increasing access to quality Maternal and Child Health services through the MCHN programme to reduce maternal and child morbidity and mortality through improved nutrition, maternal and child health care in Uganda.
  • Achievements
  • On job technical support and capacity building of more than 50 health workers implementing the programme in hospitals and Health Centre IVs and IIIs.

Timeline

Nutrition Officer

UNICEF (Uganda)
04.2019 - Current

IYCF Nutrition Specialist

UNICEF (Ethiopia)
05.2018 - 03.2019

Nutritionist

RTI International (USA)
10.2017 - 12.2017

Quality Improvement Advisor

USAID
10.2012 - 09.2017

Maternal Newborn and Child Health Consultant

USAID HCI PROJECT
06.2011 - 09.2012

Nutritionist (BFHI)

USAID NULIFE PROJECT
08.2009 - 05.2011

Programme Officer IYCF

IBFAN Uganda
08.2007 - 07.2009

Intern nutritionist

Mulago National referral hospital
09.2005 - 03.2007

Master’s - Public Health

The Manchester Metropolitan University

Bachelor of Science Degree - Human Nutrition and Dietetics (BSc.HND)

Kyambogo University

Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education - UACE

Makerere College School

Uganda Certificate of Education - UCE

Makerere College School

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Mary NabisereNutrition Officer