SCALING UP NUTRITION THROUGH MICRONUTRIENT POWDERS

On the 17^th up to 20^th of May 2016, Society for Family Health (SFH) Rwanda (Programs staff based at headquarter)-conducted orientation meetings with various stakeholders in the Eastern Province of the country. The meetings were officially graced by Dr. Matilda Nsigaye, the SFH Programs Director.

The aim of the orientation meetings was to increase and raise awareness of the need to scale up nutrition among SFH staff (field implementers), retailers, district health and social affairs officers, as well as the Community Health Workers (CHW) since stunting seemed high among children under 5 and high on the national agenda thus far.

According to the World Health Organization, Micronutrient powders such as Kuza Neza are single-dose packets or sachets of vitamins and minerals in powder form that can be sprinkled onto any ready to eat semi-solid food consumed at home, school or any other point of use; usually by children under the age of 5.

Participants that attended the meetings were informed that the Kuza Neza powders will be used to increase the micronutrient content of a child’s diet without changing their usual dietary habits.

This SFH Rwanda – Micronutrient Powder (known as Kuza neza) is for children aged 6-59 months

The micronutrient powder is given to children after six months of age up to 5 years. Participants were also told that when children start receiving semi-solid foods, intake of several vitamins and minerals can be insufficient to meet a child’s requirements, thus increasing their risk of developing anaemia and other micronutrient deficiencies, that’s why Kuza Neza was introduced by SFH Rwanda to bridge the gap.

Orientation meeting with retailers from Kayonza and Nyagatare Districts

The orientation meeting with retailers was conducted using the problem tree. The tree showcased the root causes of malnutrition, identified the problem, and showed the effects of malnutrition to society, individuals and to the country in general. Henceforth, solutions were devised by the participants and pledged to apply such solutions as the socially marketed the product (Kuza Neza).

Meeting with Community Health workers from Kayonza and Nyagatare Districts