By: Haruna Kuyateh
Promoting the health of women and children, National Nutrition Agency (NaNA) in collaboration with the Regional Health Directorate in Essau and Farafenni recently embarked on the second phase of monitoring of step-down training for mothers on the importance of Mid Upper and Circumference (MUAC).
The training held in Kerr Sanyang and Fass Chaho in North Bank West Health Directorate in North Bank Region was funded by UNICEF and centered on measuring the nutritional level of those under 5, maternal health, and exclusive breastfeeding among others. And the program aimed to bring about positive behaviour and changes in attaining quality good health for children through joint action.
Alieu Kujabi, Programme Manager at ProgrammeImplementation Directorate NaNA underscored the importance of building the capacity of mothers on the importance of Mid Upper and Circumference (MUAC).
He said it is a tool to monitor the nutrition and health of children, a comprehensive health package, and exclusive breastfeeding to promote nutrition and enhance growth and development.
He noted that monitoring the nutrition level of children by mothers contributes immensely to monitoring and provides the right complementary foods for those under five.
Mr. Kujabi described the important role of Village Support Groups (VSGs) as an important health entry point to bring about positive health behaviour, through promoting social mobilization on implementation of exclusive breastfeeding, hygiene, and sanitation.
Kadijatou Fatty, Madlem Jammeh, and Marie S Gomez CHNs for Pakau Njogu, Miseranding, and Munyagen Circuits hailed National Nutrition Agency and UNICEF for rolling out the capacity enhancement of VSGs and Mothers on maternal health and exclusive breastfeeding.
The trios said health education is crucial in bringing about sustainable health promotion, monitoring, and timely treatment of women and children at the facility level. The Baby Friendly Community Initiative (BFCI) is comprehensive health and nutrition package that was conceptualized to promote, protect and support successful Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF), nutrition, environment and personal hygiene, growth monitoring, and promotion.
The social behaviour change communication among mothers contributed to registering a high rate of practice exclusive breastfeeding as well as nourished children and call on mothers and VSGs to be proactive to sustain the gains.
Kampul Joof of Jamagen, Mariama Jarjue of Kerr Sanyang, and Mariama Corr of Kerr Chandi of Lower Nuimi thanked NaNAand UNICEF for strengthening community understanding of maternal health, hygiene, and sanitation. The Programme helps early bookings for antenatal services and discourages home delivery among women, as all deliveries are done at a health facility.
