By: HarunaKuyateh
The National Nutrition Agency (NaNA) with support from UNICEF recently concluded a monitoring of nutrition activities in Essau and Farafenni Health Regions of North Bank Region.
The team visited the Mothers Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) groups, Community Health Nurses, and In-Patient Management of Malnourished Children at Essau and Farafenni General Hospitals.
The team held meetings at Essau District Hospital, Njongon, KerrJarga MUAC group of Essau Health Region, Yallal Tankonjala, Maka Farafenni, Kunjo, FarafenniGeneral Hospital, Sankalang, Sabach Njien and NgainSanjal Minor Health Centre of Farafenni Health Region.
Alieu Kujabi, Programme Manager of the ProgrammeImplementation Directorate at NaNA described the visit as crucial noting that, it aimed at strengthening nutritional services through empowering and strengthening village health services.
He said nutrition-related activities are fundamental in promoting the growth and development of children under 5 years.
Director Kujabi stressed the need for regular and constant supervisory visits by Regional Directorates and Community Health Nurses to ensure children receive the necessary support and coaching from Village Support Groups and Mother MUAC groups.
Rougiatou S Sowe of the Malnourished Children Ward at Farafenni General Hospital hailed NaNA and UNICEF for building the capacity of Doctors and Nurses for In-Patient Management of Malnourish children seen and admitted at the Hospital.
She disclosed that 10 Children with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) were admitted and Stabilized with no death. She uses the moment to launch more training for Outpatient Staff and Children’s Wards to ensure proper diagnosis, treatment, and referral to properly carry out.
Fabakary Bass Nutrition Field Coordinator at NaNA Head Office, Momodou Gai, and Malick Choi Senior Community Health Nurses Tutor at Essau and Farafenni Health Regions thanked NaNA for the visit, noting that the visit will strengthen nutrition activities and enable them to keep track of CHNs, Mother MUAC, and Village Support Groups.
BakaryDampha, Nutrition Officer at UNICEF reiterated UNICEF’s commitment to promoting and protecting the health of children and with emphasis on nutrition.