Advocates of proper nutrition and diet diversification have struggled to bring issues of malnutrition
and growth stunting to the forefront of the political agenda. Although some progress has been
made, it is clear that both maternal and child health require continuing attention. Gaining attention
recently is the idea that nutritional issues should be addressed in a multi-sectoral manner, bringing
together various relevant partners to work comprehensively towards reducing stunting. This
paper explores the multi-sectoral approach used in the First 1,000 Most Critical Days Programme
implemented in Zambia in 2013 to address pertinent challenges that have arisen during
implementation thus far. Through a series of interviews with focal point personnel from four of the
five key line ministries, members of relevant NGO’s, and individuals from DFID and CARE Zambia,
we were able to further understand what has either helped or impeded activities from reaching full
potential. With an understanding of relevant stakeholders and their respective involvements in the
programme, it becomes apparent that inter-sectoral coordination is contingent on a holistic
understanding of the First 1,000 MCDP, an ability to contextualise nutrition within each players
professional role, and logistics that consider the diversity of needs. Such findings lead us to
conclude that the physical location of the coordinating body is less important than creating internal
strength to foster compliance, an option addressed through the development of other mechanisms.