In 2026, the GFF welcomed Benin as the first new country to join the partnership under the TRANSFORM 2030 strategy. Through this collaboration, the GFF is supporting the government to mobilize and align domestic and external resources behind national plans to improve reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health and nutrition (RMNCAH-N).

Benin has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, and newborn, infant, and child mortality continue to be major concerns. The country also faces persistently high rates of child stunting.

To help address these challenges, the GFF is co-financing the ALAFIA I: Nourishing Benin’s Future program with the World Bank Group’s International Development Association (IDA). As the first phase of a 10-year national effort, ALAFIA I will be implemented from 2026 to 2031 to help expand access to integrated nutrition, health and early child development services in targeted areas of Benin. 

The program aims to reduce child stunting while addressing the broader health needs of women, children, and adolescents. It will also strengthen community resilience, boost access to nutritious diets, and enhance governance, data systems, and local service delivery capacity. The GFF’s investment, specifically, will enable Benin to expand access to integrated nutrition and child development interventions to reduce child stunting in targeted regions.