By: Haruna Kuyateh
Enhancing closer monitoring of children against malnutrition, the communities of Yallal Tankonjala, Jali Kunda, and BadibouIndia of Upper Badibou have hailed the National Nutrition Agency (NaNA), Regional Health Directorate of Farafenni and UNICEF for their unflinching contribution to the strengthening the capacity of mothers in monitoring the nutritional level of under-five children.
The commendation came at the heel of a two-day training conducted for 25 mothers on exclusive breastfeeding, the use of Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC), to measure the nutritional level of under 5 children, and a comprehensive health package.
The training was held at Yallal Tankonjala of Upper Badibou in the north bank region.
Speaking at the training, Alieu Kujabi, Programme Manager at NaNA Programme Implementation Unit reiterated the importance of NaNA and UNICEF to empower mothers with skills and knowledge in promoting and protecting the health and nutrition level of children. He called on participants to be steadfast in the transfer of skills to women of reproductive age to bring about positive behaviourial changes.
Kujabi observed that malnutrition is common during the rainy season and therefore called on mothers to be observant and report acute malnourished children to Community Health Nurses or at the facility level
Alagie Fadera, Fatou Ndow, and Mbassey Bojang Community Health Nurses of Kerr Pateh Koreh, Alkali Kunda, and YallalTankonjala Circuits said 80% of mothers are practicing exclusive breastfeeding. They noted that training on the use of MUAC for mothers in primary Healthcare and non-primary healthcare villages would contribute to the attainment of sustainable health.
On behalf of participants, Kaddy Touray of India, Awa Jallowof Yallal Tankonjala, and Nyima Chatty Mothers of BadibouIndia all described the training as important and timely.
Similar training was also held in Kunjo of Sabach Sanjal of which 25 mothers were trained and equipped.