• Communities: Involving, working with, and giving power to the underserved
• Health professionals and organizations: Informing and recruiting partners from other sectors (for example, education, faith-based organizations, other nonprofit organizations, businesses)
• National and regional leaders: Informing higher-level policymakers with an aim to make changes in policies, regulations, systems, etc. Action can occur between international organizations.

The report describes those who can make a difference, which recommendations are best suited for community, provider, regional or national action, and steps to guide project planning, implementation and evaluation. The Task Force attempted to provide steps that give appropriate guidance to leaders working in both developing and developed countries. In general, implementation methodologies should be relatively similar despite great differences in infrastructure, resources, and specific strategies. Thirteen case studies from around the world, selected by the Task Force, are provided as examples of programs or projects that illustrate a variety of strategies to address one or more of the priority problems described in the report. Despite their differences, the case studies provide several lessons that can inform future programs, including:

• The target population should be involved at every phase of planning and implementation in order to address local needs and improve project sustainability. For the best results, community leaders must solicit feedback from the target population and involve them in decisions about the topic and strategies for community-based initiatives; acceptability, applicability and dissemination of messages; and input on sustainability issues.
• Partnerships make it possible to accomplish more than could be achieved if the organizations and individuals worked independently. Project managers may elect to cultivate one or more partnerships to accomplish project goals. One of the primary benefits of an effective partnership is the ability to tap into existing infrastructure (e.g., staff/volunteers, dissemination channels, office space, equipment).
• Reaching the target population effectively requires special attention to social and behavioral issues and marketing and dissemination strategies. Messages and interventions will achieve the desired behavioral changes only if they are tailored to the specific cultural background, lifestyles, and common perceptions of the target population(s). In addition, selecting the appropriate dissemination channel(s) for the strategy and target population is essential.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of an initiative is imperative. Carefully planned evaluation methods can help improve the effectiveness of messages and strategies, communicate project results to stakeholders, and ensure wide dissemination and continued support of the project.

As mentioned previously, it will take a variety of organizations and individuals to make a difference. While the Task Force provides several steps to consider in implementing recommendations, it chose not to develop specific tools for action. Such tools and resources will be most appropriately designed by agencies that can tailor them to meet specific community needs. Additional examples of efforts conducted independently, with local affiliates, and/or in collaboration with partner organizations could include:

• Publications or continuing education for health professionals
• Evaluation activities
• Advocacy to promote legislation for food/water safety, food fortification, food and/or micronutrient supplementation of selected groups, or increased funding for consumer education
• Support of nonnutritional co-strategies required for successful implementation (e.g., infection control, physical activity, education)

By working together, sharing information, and reaching out to the vulnerable groups identified in this report, we hope to make a sustained difference for women and children around the world.