Community Mobilization for Improved Dietary Diversity in the Elgon Region of Uganda
Date
2022-05-31
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Abstract
The third objective of PNSP was to empower people with knowledge of family nutrition. In the Elgon region. The project targeted 13000 homes, with the focus being pregnant ladies, breastfeeding mothers, and/or reproductive women of age 15–45. The program adopted a behavior change communication (BCC) approach called Grassroots Food Diversity. A community-based approach and radio were used to share knowledge with the communities. Nutrition champions were identified by religious and cultural leaders and trained to support mobilization for improved dieting and nutrition education. The role of the nutrition champion was to identify nutritional problems, the consequences of the issues, and the actions to be taken to address the nutritional problems. A platform was provided for the nutrition champions to engage with members of the community. They utilized radio shows, did outreach, made use of events, cultural and religious gatherings, and even made home visits. Nutritional messages were on themes of nutrition and agriculture, undernutrition and diseases, dietary diversity, kitchen gardening, and gender in nutrition. 9978 people were reached through events and different social gatherings, while 732 people were visited in their homes. Challenges encountered were difficulties with following up with families and COVID-19, which hampered plans and interactions.
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Nutrition