SQ-LNS Task Force

The SQ-LNS Task Force was formed after a May 2022 meeting focused on the operational aspects of scaling-up small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS). Its overarching goal is to catalyze efforts to scale up SQ-LNS for the prevention of undernutrition among children 6-23 months of age in nutritionally vulnerable settings. The Task Force is comprised of a Steering Committee, four Working Groups (Cost and cost-effectiveness; Operational Guidance; Operational Research; Supply and regulatory issues), and an Interest Group. The Secretariat of the SQ-LNS Task Force is based at the University of California, Davis. 

Steering Committee

The Steering Committee is responsible for guiding the direction of the Task Force and determining its short-term and long-term priorities. The Steering Committee also provides oversight and support for the activities of the Working Groups. Membership of the Steering Committee consists of representatives from stakeholder organizations or agencies with a long-standing commitment to the improvement of child health and nutrition that are playing a key role in the financing, design, implementation and/or evaluation of programs and policies related to SQ-LNS.

Participation in Task Force activities

Any individual/representative may be invited to join or may express an interest in joining a specific Working Group or contribute to a specific activity, such as serving as a lead author of a document or facilitating or presenting in a webinar. To express interest, please submit the following to [email protected]:

1. An expression of interest (EOI) form
2. A short bio
3. A declaration of interests (DOI) form

The Steering Committee will review all submissions, and approval requires the unanimous support of all Steering Committee members. For details on the review and approval process, see the Principles of Engagement document. 

Interest Group

Individuals and representatives from organizations that are committed to improving child nutrition are welcome to join the SQ-LNS Interest Group.  Interest Group participants receive emails from the Task Force about relevant events, publications, and resources.  Interest Group participants are also invited to join webinars and open discussions.  Requests to join the Interest Group should be sent to: [email protected]. 

The Principles of Engagement for the SQ-LNS Task Force can be found here.

The following organizations are represented on the Steering Committee or Working Groups:  

*USAID played a critical role in the establishment of the SQ-LNS Task Force and was an integral partner in the Steering Committee and several Working Groups until early 2025.