Tackling maternal and children nutrition
The World Food Programme (WFP) has embarked on a campaign to improve the nutrition of children during the period from conception to two years.
In collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), the campaign has been implemented at the Olukula clinic in Ohangwena in October, and Tsumkwe clinic in the Otjozondjupa region earlier this month.
“The first 1 000 days from conception to two years are pivotal in determining a child’s destiny. Inadequate nutrition in this window period can lead to stunting, causing irreversible damage to children’s bodies and brains,” said WFP country director George Fedha.
The launch of this joint programme is timely as it comes at a time when Otjozondjupa recorded the largest percentage of children with severe acute malnutrition (9.5%).
WFP, through its human capital development approach, advocates for adequate nutrition for pregnant and breastfeeding women as a protective mechanism against any complications.
The objectives of the 1 000 Days campaign are to capacitate Community Health Workers (CHWs), pregnant and lactating women and the public on the importance of the first 1 000 days.
Under this initiative, community health workers show beneficiary mothers how to use locally available foods to prepare a variety of nutritious dishes.
“The objectives aim to promote healthy food choices through cooking demonstrations (complementary foods, healthy foods for pregnant, lactating women and the family) as a cornerstone of healthy food consumption and behaviour change communication for communities,” said WFP in a statement.
The campaign further plans on demonstrating various food preservation methods and educate communities on nutrition (Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF), PMTCT, healthy eating, and basic nutrition which will also encompass teaching children using puppets and soft food toys about healthy foods and eating. This campaign will also include a media plan comprised of radio messages in various languages, 15-second video clips, recipe cards, and television interviews.
In 2020, WFP stated that approximately 23% of children in Namibia are stunted in their growth because they do not eat enough nutritious food. This, they said, can have a dangerous effect on the development of children and can even influence their behaviours as they grow older.
WHO country representative Charles Sagoe-Moses said it is important that pregnant women eat healthy balanced diverse meals to prevent malnutrition, and attend antenatal care starting as early as possible.
“There is also a need for iron and folic acid tablets during pregnancy to prevent anaemia and birth defects; as well as the practice of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life.”
Otjozondjupa regional health director Gebhardo Timotheus said UN agencies have been a pillar of support, especially during the Covid-19 period.
“They still continue to provide continuous support to strengthen healthcare services delivered to the region and country at large.”