Policy implementation barriers and the effectiveness of maternal and child nutrition programs in low-resource settings

Although national nutrition policies exist in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), maternal and child malnutrition remain persistent, illustrating large policy-to-implementation gaps. This narrative review synthesizes how policy-related implementation barriers affect the effectiveness of maternal and child nutrition programs.

Critical disconnects between policy intentions and on-the-ground implementation are highlighted by this review in low- and middle-income countries. This study concluded that good nutrition governance requires coordinated, resourced and context-specific policy-based mechanisms. Adaptive policy models and innovations in implementation science should be evaluated, and further research done to sustainably improve maternal and child nutrition outcomes.