Community-based, Controlled, Open-label, Cluster-randomized Trial for the Reduction of Chronic Malnutrition in Children Under Two Years of Age, With Three Intervention Arms Grouped by Clusters, in Two Provinces in Southern Angola, Huíla and Cunene.

"The Small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplementation (SQ-LNS) consists of micronutrients delivered in a lipid-based vehicle. All pregnant women (as of 12 weeks self-referred) within households who were randomly included in the study in the nutritional supplementation arm and their children as of 6 months of age will receive the SQ-LNS.~● Pregnant women: 20-g sachets, 20 g (1 sachet) dose per day. Nutritional composition and caloric intake.~Total = 12/13 months approximately.~● Children from 6 months of age: 20-g sachets, 20 g (1 sachet) dose per day. Nutritional composition and caloric intake. Total = 18 months.~The distribution will be made by ADECOS on a fortnightly basis.~A family ration will be distributed: family supplementation is presented in a basket of locally produced basic foods that complement the usual diet. The caloric distribution of the basket will be 45% of cereals, 30% of pulses, and 25% in oil, and 1 kg of iodized salt."

The distribution of the amounts will be made through the corresponding financial providers, together with the Municipal or Communal Administration authorities, the Assistants of Community Activities, the Investigator's personnel, and the ADECOS. The distribution frequency will be every 3 months until the end of the study.

"The activities included are the following:~1. Community interventions against malnutrition and promotion of adequate nutrition: raise awareness of malnutrition and training mothers to recognize signs of malnutrition.~2. Community interventions in promoting hygiene and proper sanitation: a) Promotion of Community-Led Total Sanitation approach (CLTS)strategy: community awareness of the entire population included in the cluster about the dangers of open defecation, and the direct link to malnutrition; b) Promotion of Baby-Wash strategy: to make the community aware of the problems and consequences of unsafe water consumption.~3. Biannual supplementation with vitamin A for children from 6 to 24 months of age.~4. Biannual deworming (albendazole/mebendazole) for children from 12 months to 24 months of age and pregnant women as of 2nd quarter.~5. Malaria prophylaxis with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) in pregnant women as of 13 weeks of pregnancy."