Meet Charline Andrianariso, our Nutrition Coordinator in the Central African Republic (CAR).
Where are you based?
I am based in Bangui [the capital of CAR].
What is your background?
I am a medical doctor with a Master’s degree in public health and community nutrition, with more than 10 years of experience in health and nutrition.
How long have you been at International Medical Corps?
I’ve been working here for more than three years.
What kind of work do you do in a typical day?
I’m the lead in the nutrition department, and I use my expertise to make sure that our nutrition activities correspond to the organization’s strategy and meet international standards. I also make sure that we implement nutrition activities according to what has been established in the project proposals. I monitor our achievements by analyzing the data we collect and the reports sent in by the field staff, working with the teams to improve their results and achieve their objectives. I also conduct field supervision missions.
One of my main roles is also to build the nutrition team’s capacity through exchanges, training and coaching. In line with my coordination role, I help raise funds by writing new project proposals and donor reports. I also represent International Medical Corps in the nutrition world in CAR by participating in cluster and health district meetings.
What have you been working on recently?
I’m currently focusing on a nutrition and food assistance project for Sudanese refugees, returnees and host populations in Vakaga prefecture. The challenge facing International Medial Corps is the arrival of new Sudanese refugees in the area, which could lead to worsening nutritional conditions for the host population. International Medical Corps is providing cash assistance to vulnerable populations to help them obtain food more easily. In addition, we’re offering activities to prevent and cure malnutrition. So far, we’ve reached more than 2,200 refugee households, as well as returnees and households with malnourished children in the host community, with cash assistance.
Tell us about a time you really made a difference at International Medical Corps.
In addition to our routine nutrition activities to treat and to prevent acute malnutrition, I set up infant and young-child feeding support spaces in IDP camps that International Medical Corps supports. These support spaces enable mothers of children under 2 to receive individualized counseling and support on breastfeeding as well as good complementary feeding practices.
These spaces became friendly places for mothers to relax and converse, and for parents and children to play. As a result, mothers and communities have learned more about malnutrition and can now contribute to reducing its onset in their households and their villages.
What are you most proud of achieving at International Medical Corps?
We have helped save the lives of Sudanese refugees, returnees and people in host communities through nutrition and food assistance in the Vakaga prefecture, thanks to the generous financial support of the French Embassy in CAR. We have implemented cash transfers and reinforced nutrition services in Korsi camp for refugees living there.
What do you like best about working at International Medical Corps?
I have a lot of latitude in setting up activities, in looking for innovations to improve results and in making decisions. International Medical Corps has confidence in the ability of its staff members, and this encourages me to move forward. What’s more, I can get support from my supervisors and the HQ team whenever I need it.
What have you learned in your time here?
At International Medical Corps, I have a thorough understanding of everyone’s responsibilities and what everyone needs to do to get things done correctly. I have also learned to be more creative.