Formation of women Nutrition promotion committee

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Project Title:

Behavioral change among mountainous rural women through awareness rising on nutrition sensitive agriculture

Report Status/Activity:  Formation of women Nutrition Promotion Committee (WNPC)

Project Location: District Haripur      

Date of Visit/Meeting: 16-July-2016

Union Council:   Beer

Name of Village: Bhatt

No of participants: 25

Objective of Visit:

• To establish a plate forum where women can gather
• To increase the knowledge level of community
• To ensure active participation of women in project activities
• To support women of area to adopt good health practices
• Social Empowerment of women
• women Committee Formation  
• Selection of Members 
• Selection of leader and General Secretary

Activity Progress/Procedure:

• Introduction:

Activity was started with the Recitation of Holy Quran. RSP welcomes the participant and introduced herself and Organizations which are supporting in implementation of MAAN project.

• Project Activities:

It was shared with participants that Inter-cooperation and IFOAM international are going to implement a Project named MAAN Project in the union council Beer along with 25 RSPs which will work in different villages of UC Beer. In this regards Miss Rizwana will work in Village Bhatt and village Ghoaraki to enhance the nutrition among the community through awareness raisin sessions and training of women because women of the rural areas are suffering from malnutrition and different health issues. They did not care about their health. As the major stake holder of a family their health is very important to ensure the health of their other family members.

• Formation of Women Nutrition Promotion Committee:

After this it was discussed that to ensure the project activities, involvement of women and to maintain system sustainability there is dire need of women forum where they gathered, discuss their all issues and plan strategies to resolve issues.

To realize them the need of a women committee brainstorming session held in which asked to them that what they suggested for this? How they can cope with the present issues and in future for solution of the issues? All participants shared that there should be an organization which present the women of the area.

With this point shared with them the importance of women plate forum and asked to select the members for this women committee. All the participants suggested the name of women Nutrition Promotion committee (WNPC) who can support and participate in the activities.

• Importance of Women Nutrition Promotion Committee(WNPC)

WNPC is an informal association of women in a community with a common objective of working together for their economic and social development, empowerment and also for overall area development”

Homogeneity similarities related to age, sex, color, tribe religion, activity/occupation and profession, socio economic condition place of birth etc. Affinity Natural bonds due to mental characteristic like love and affection, mutual trust, respect, support, etc.

• Selection of President & General Secretary:

With the mutual discussion and willingness of all participants president and general secretary were selected for the committee. Selected core body name are following

• Feature WNPC
  
  1. Small size 15-20,
  2. Voluntary membership
  3. Core Body as President and G. Secretary
  4. Emphasis on self-help
  5. Mutual help
  6. Not registered body
• Role & Responsibilities of WNPC Members
  • Participation in Meeting
  • To aware others about Health, Hygiene & Nutrition
  • To facilitate others to increase cleanliness
  • To support RSP in implementation of Project activities
  • To shared and trickle down information with other community members which discussed in sessions
  • Take part to overcome bad behaviors/practices like unsafe drinking water, use of dirty hands, use of fertilizers, use of artificial meals, freeze & Packed food items etc
  • Play active role to increase healthy and full of nutrient diet in own family as well as other friends and neighbors
  • Promotion of organic food and discourage the fertilizers

1. Small size 15-20,
2. Voluntary membership
3. Core Body as President and G. Secretary
4. Emphasis on self-help
5. Mutual help
6. Not registered body

Challenges/Issues & Observations in Area:

• Low Socio-economic status of the community
• Poor Hygienic conditions
• Lack of Awareness about Hygiene, Food diversity & Balance Diet
• No proper Health Services are available nearest the Area
• LHW have not the capacity to sensitize and motivate community
• Women were unaware about Antenatal/Postnatal care  and diet
• No active Organization in area
• Lack of awareness about Breast Feeding
• Neglected Area by the Govt.
•  Rain fed area
• Unsafe drinking water
• Consumption is high then production
• No production attitude at domestic level
• Very short agriculture area
• Tars land
• Very small kitchen gardening
• Participation of women in agricultural activities like harvesting of crops, cutting grass and fodder for animal but no interest shown in vegetables, fruits production
• Low poultry & live stock
• Self-interest among people instead of area/ national interest
• Demanding nature of the community
• Concept of tangible activities by NGOs
• Support in form of income-support activities like Benazir-income support program
• Male dominating area
• Water scarcity

Important decisions of the Meeting:

• Meeting will held every month
• Mrs. Tanviran selected as President and Mrs. Shakeela as G. Secretary
• Full support of all Members with RSP Miss Rizwana (RSP)
• To implement the knowledge and information at own home as well as to convey the stake holders
• Discuss issue
• Take decision in meetings
• Establish linkage with government department
• Record Keeping

Actual result:

• Orientation of Project
• Formed a strong Women Nutrition Promotion Committee
• Identified the Challenges and Issues
• Participants realized the need of women plate forum
• Assigned rolled & Responsibilities to members
• Prepared them for Implementing activities

Reported By:

                   Rizwana Shaheen RSP (Village Bhatt & Ghoraki)

Formation of Women Nutrition Promotion Committee Bhatt 2

Project Title:

Behavioral change among mountainous rural women through awareness rising on nutrition sensitive agriculture

Report Status/Activity:  Formation of women Nutrition Promotion Committee (WNPC)

Project Location: District Haripur      

Date of Visit/Meeting: 17-July-2016

Union Council:   Beer

Name of Village: Bhatt Ziyrat

No of Participants: 25  

Objective of Visit:

• To establish a plate forum where women can gather
• To increase the knowledge level of community
• To ensure active participation of women in project activities
• To support women of area to adopt good health practices
• Social Empowerment of women
• women Committee Formation  
• Selection of Members 
• Selection of leader and General Secretary

Activity Progress/Procedure:

• Introduction:

Activity was started with the Recitation of Holy Quran. RSP welcomes the participant and introduced herself and Organizations which are supporting in implementation of MAAN project.

• Project Activities:

It was shared with participants that Inter-cooperation and IFOAM international are going to implement a Project named MAAN Project in the union council Beer along with 25 RSPs which will work in different villages of UC Beer. In this regards Miss Rizwana will work in Village Bhatt and village Ghoaraki to enhance the nutrition among the community through awareness raisin sessions and training of women because women of the rural areas are suffering from malnutrition and different health issues. They did not care about their health. As the major stake holder of a family their health is very important to ensure the health of their other family members.

• Formation of Women Nutrition Promotion Committee:

After this it was discussed that to ensure the project activities, involvement of women and to maintain system sustainability there is dire need of women forum where they gathered, discuss their all issues and plan strategies to resolve issues.

To realize them the need of a women committee brainstorming session held in which asked to them that what they suggested for this? How they can cope with the present issues and in future for solution of the issues? All participants shared that there should be an organization which present the women of the area.

With this point shared with them the importance of women plate forum and asked to select the members for this women committee. All the participants suggested the name of women Nutrition Promotion committee (WNPC) who can support and participate in the activities.

• Importance of Women Nutrition Promotion Committee(WNPC)

WNPC is an informal association of women in a community with a common objective of working together for their economic and social development, empowerment and also for overall area development”

Homogeneity similarities related to age, sex, color, tribe religion, activity/occupation and profession, socio economic condition place of birth etc. Affinity Natural bonds due to mental characteristic like love and affection, mutual trust, respect, support, etc.

• Selection of President & General Secretary:

With the mutual discussion and willingness of all participants president and general secretary were selected for the committee. Selected core body name are following

Feature WNPC

1. Small size 15-20,
2. Voluntary membership
3. Core Body as President and G. Secretary
4. Emphasis on self-help
5. Mutual help
6. Not registered body

• Role & Responsibilities of WNPC Members
  • Participation in Meeting
  • To aware others about Health, Hygiene & Nutrition
  • To facilitate others to increase cleanliness
  • To support RSP in implementation of Project activities
  • To shared and trickle down information with other community members which discussed in sessions
  • Take part to overcome bad behaviors/practices like unsafe drinking water, use of dirty hands, use of fertilizers, use of artificial meals, freeze & Packed food items etc
  • Play active role to increase healthy and full of nutrient diet in own family as well as other friends and neighbors
  • Promotion of organic food and discourage the fertilizers

1. Small size 15-20,
2. Voluntary membership
3. Core Body as President and G. Secretary
4. Emphasis on self-help
5. Mutual help
6. Not registered body

Challenges/Issues & Observations in Area:

• Low Socio-economic status of the community
• Poor Hygienic conditions
• Lack of Awareness about Hygiene, Food diversity & Balance Diet
• No proper Health Services are available nearest the Area
• LHW have not the capacity to sensitize and motivate community
• Women were unaware about Antenatal/Postnatal care  and diet
• No active Organization in area
• Lack of awareness about Breast Feeding
• Neglected Area by the Govt.
•  Rain fed area
• Unsafe drinking water
• Consumption is high then production
• No production attitude at domestic level
• Very short agriculture area
• Tars land
• Very small kitchen gardening
• Participation of women in agricultural activities like harvesting of crops, cutting grass and fodder for animal but no interest shown in vegetables, fruits production
• Low poultry & live stock
• Self-interest among people instead of area/ national interest
• Demanding nature of the community
• Concept of tangible activities by NGOs
• Support in form of income-support activities like Benazir-income support program
• Male dominating area
• Water scarcity

Important decisions of the Meeting:

• Meeting will held every month
• Mrs. Raqooban selected as President and Mrs. Saira as G. Secretary
• Full support of all Members with RSP Miss Rizwana (RSP)
• To implement the knowledge and information at own home as well as to convey the stake holders
• Discuss issues in meeting
• Take decision in meetings
• Establish linkage with government department
• Record Keeping

Actual result:

• Orientation of Project
• Formed a strong Women Nutrition Promotion Committee
• Identified the Challenges and Issues
• Participants realized the need of women plate forum
• Assigned rolled & Responsibilities to members
• Prepared them for Implementing activities

Reported By:

                   Rizwana Shaheen RSP (Village Bhatt & Ghoraki)

Awareness Raising Session

Date:                                   25-7-2016

Time:                                   11:45 am

Area/UC:                            Beer

Venue:                                village Bhatt

Activity:                              Community Awareness raising Session

No of Participants:          16          

Objective of the session

•  To increase awareness about Health & Hygiene
•   To improve living environment at house hold level
•   To improve care seeking behavior of rural women about nutrition & balance diet
•   To realize rural women about importance of food diversity to overcome malnutrition among women and children

Participants:

• Community women (Youth, Mothers, Mothers in Law, Antenatal)
• Lady Counselor
• Rizwana Shaheen RSP

Agenda Points

• Introduction of RSP & Project Organizations
• Project Activities
• Importance of Health & Hygiene
• Hand Washing  Demonstration
• Role of nutrition and Food Diversity for human life

Procedure:

Activity was started with the recitation of Holy Quran. I introduce myself and introduced Inter-cooperation and IFOAM International. Then I briefed them about the project activities & objectives. Then I took the session about importance of Hygiene in daily life. I started with brainstorming session and asked many introductory questions to ensure active participation of the community and to know the actual situation of community, like

• What is Hygiene?
• What are the benefits of health and hygiene?
• What is the current status of Health & Hygiene conditions in their area?
• What are the issues of Health & Hygiene in their area?
• What is importance of hand washing?

It was discussed that many diseases can affect the body brutally and sometime damaged immune system of body. However there are many steps that can be taken individually & by the community as a whole. These steps concern personal hygiene, environmental hygiene, & sanitation, which help in prevention of diseases. The RSP told the following points about personal hygiene to community members.

Social impact

A person with poor personal hygiene might be isolated from friendship because telling the person about the situation might be sensitive and culturally difficult. The success of a job application or the chance of promotion could be affected by poor personal hygiene; no company wants to be represented by someone who does not appear to be able to look after themselves.

Personal Hygiene

Personal hygiene may be described as the principle of maintaining cleanliness and grooming of the external body. Maintaining a high level of personal hygiene will help to increase self-esteem and confidence, while minimizing the chances of developing imperfections.

·        Poor Personal Hygiene

Failure to keep up a standard of hygiene can have many implications. Not only is there an increased risk of getting an infection or illness, but there are many social and psychological aspects that can be affected.

Poor Personal Hygiene, in relation to preventing the spread of disease is paramount in preventing epidemic or even pandemic outbreaks. To engage in some very basic measures could help prevent many coughs and colds from being passed from person to person.

·        Children and Personal Hygiene

Children should be taught the importance of hygiene as early as possible, with oral care, washing, and toilet hygiene and hair care being taught as part of everyday routines. By this a mother can prevent her child from different diseases and help out her kid in passing a healthy life.

·        Aspects of Personal Hygiene

There are many contributory factors that make up personal hygiene with the main ones being washing, oral care, hair care, nail care, wound care, cleansing of personal utensils and Preventing Infection. It is essentially the promotion and continuance of good health.

·        Food Hygiene

Probably the most important aspect of all, food hygiene is very closely associated with personal hygiene. Poor personal cleansing can have a very significant effect on the start and spread of many illnesses through contact with nutritional consumables, some that can be potentially lethal.

• Basic Sanitation: Refers to the management of human faces at his house hold level. It means access to a toilet or latrines
• Food sanitation: Refers to the hygienic measures for ensuring food safely. Food hygiene is similar to food sanitation
• Housing Sanitation: Refers to safeguarding the home environment.
• Environmental Sanitation: The control of environmental factors that from links in disease transmission. This category include solid waste management’s, water & waste water treatment. Industrial waste treatment & noise & pollution control etc.

Hand Washing Demonstration

• First wet hands with clean water and lather with a bar of soap.
• Next rub hands together vigorously and scrub all surfaces up to your wrists.
• Clean under finger & nails.
• Continue for 15–30 seconds
• Rinse your hands well with clean running water (pour from a jug or tap).
• Dry your hands in the air to avoid recontamination on a dirty towel – do not touch anything until your hands are dry.

When we need hand washing

• After using the toilet (or disposing of human or animal feces)
• After changing a baby’s diaper (nappy) and disposing of the feces.
• Immediately after touching raw food when preparing meals (e.g. chicken or other meat).
• Before preparing and handling cooked/ready-to-eat food.
• Before eating food or feeding children.
• After contact with contaminated surfaces (e.g. rubbish bins, cleaning cloths, food-contaminated surfaces).
• After handling pets and domestic animals.
• After wiping or blowing the nose or sneezing into the hands (respiratory hygiene).
• After handling soiled tissues (own or others e.g. children).

Nutrition:

Nutrition is nourishment or energy that is obtained from food consumed or the process of consuming the proper amount of nourishment and energy

Sources of Nutrition:

• Fruits (Fresh/Dried)
• Vegetables
• Dairy Products
• Eggs
• Pulses

Observations:

• Low Socio-economic status of the community
• Poor Hygienic conditions
• Lack of Awareness about Hygiene, Food diversity & Balance Diet
• No proper Health Services are available nearest the Area
• LHW have not the capacity to sensitize and motivate community
• Women were unaware about Antenatal/Postnatal care  and diet
• No active Organization in area
• Lack of awareness about Breast Feeding
• Neglected Area by the Govt.
•  Rain fed area
• Unsafe drinking water
• Self-interest among people instead of area/ national interest

Challenges:

• Demanding nature of the community
• Concept of tangible activities by NGOs
• Support in form of income-support activities like Benazir-income support program
• Male dominating area
• Decision by male member of community
• Water scarcity
• Personal/traditional believes of the community
• Myths
• Issues and conflict among different community members which is hurdle to united them at a same forum

Outcome

• women were very pleased with this activity as they gained valuable knowledge in maintaining healthy & hygienic life styles for themselves & their families
• Awareness raised about Hygiene & nutrition
• Learned the method of hand washing and ensure this in daily routine activities
• Women Social empowerment
• Information will shared to other family members and women

Reported By:

                              Rizwana Shaheen RSP UC Beer Villages Bhatt & Ghoraki

Awareness Raising Session

Date:                      3-8-2016

Time:                     12:40 pm

Area/UC:               Beer

Venue:                   village Bhatt

Activity:                 Community Awareness raising Session

No of Participants: 11     

Objective of the session

v  To increase awareness about Balance diet & Breast Feeding

v  To improve care seeking behavior of rural women about nutrition & balance diet

v  To realize rural women about importance of food diversity to overcome malnutrition among women and children

Participants:

• Community women (Youth, Mothers, Mothers in Law)
• Leady Counselor
• Rizwana Shaheen (RSP)

Agenda Points

• Role of nutrition and Food Diversity for human life
• Importance of Balance diet
• Importance of Breast Feeding

Procedure:

Activity was started with the recitation of Holy Quran. I introduce myself and introduced Inter-cooperation and IFOAM International. Then took the session about importance of Nutrition and balance diet in daily life. I started with brainstorming session and asked many introductory questions to ensure active participation of the community and to know the actual situation of community, like

• What they know about Nutrition?
• What is balance diet according to their views?
• Food habits in the community?
• What are the main crops in the area?
• What they know about agriculture and kitchen gardening?
• Main Vegetables and fruits of the area?

Nutrition:

Nutrition is nourishment or energy that is obtained from food consumed or the process of consuming the proper amount of nourishment and energy

Sources of Nutrition:

• Fruits (Fresh/Dried)
• Vegetables
• Dairy Products
• Eggs
• Pulses
• Grains
• Fats
• Meat

What is balance diet :

A diet consisting of the proper quantities and proportions of foods needed to maintain health or growth.

Or

A balanced diet is a way of eating all of the right nutrients that our body needs in order to be healthy. Everyone’s bodies are different and often individuals require a different amount and type of nutrients. This can depend on age, gender, illness and the rate at which our body works.

Importance of Balance diet

A balanced diet is important because our organs and tissues need proper nutrition to work effectively. Without good nutrition, our body is more vulnerable to disease, infection, fatigue, and poor performance. Children with a poor diet run the risk of growth and developmental problems and poor academic performance. Bad eating habits can persist for the rest of their lives.

Eight tips that cover the basics of maintaining a balanced diet and choosing the healthier option:

1. Eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. If we can, try to include more. It is said that only a small number of the population reaches the full five.
2. Cut down our sugar and saturated fat intake.
3. Drink plenty of water, six to eight glasses are the recommended amount. Add a fresh squeeze of lemon if we want a bit of flavor.
4. At least two portions of fish every week
5. Reduce our salt intake.
6. Always eat breakfast , it gives energy for the day. Try to fit in one of that 5 a day.
7. Use starchy foods as the base of meals. These act as fuel for the day.
8. Get active.  Do exercise and try a brisk walk for 30 minutes daily.

Basic portion sizes

• Carbohydrates, such as rice, cereal and potato should generally be the size of fist.
• Butter and spreads are often high in fat and sugar the ideal portion should only be the tip of thumb.
• It is suggested that a portion of protein, like meat and fish, is best matching the palm of hand.
• Professionals advise the fruit and vegetable portion is the largest.

Breast Feeding

Breast feeding by the mother to her new born infant is greatly beneficial as science had proven, and it is mandatory in the Noble Quran.  Allah Almighty Commanded the mother to breast feed her child for two full years.

Importance:

Recent data from the World Health Organization showed that about 60% of all deaths, occurring among children aged less than five years (under-five children) in developing countries, could be attributed to malnutrition. It has been estimated that nearly 50.6 million under-five children are malnourished, and almost 90% of these children are from developing countries.

Why is exclusive breastfeeding recommended for the first six months

International guidelines recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months based on scientific evidence of the benefits for infant survival, growth, and development. Breast milk provides all the energy and nutrients that an infant needs during the first six months. Exclusive breastfeeding reduces infant deaths caused by common childhood illnesses such as diarrhea and pneumonia, hastens recovery during illness, and helps space births.

What Are the Benefits of Breastfeeding for Baby

Breast milk provides the ideal nutrition for infants. It has a nearly perfect mix of vitamins, protein, and fats. Everything a baby needs to grow. And it's all provided in a form more easily digested than infant formula. Breast milk contains antibodies that help a baby fight off viruses and bacteria. It's been thought to lower the risk of diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers as well. 

Are There Breastfeeding Benefits for the Mother

Breast feeding burns extra calories, so it can help lose pregnancy weight faster. It releases the hormone, which helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and may reduce uterine bleeding after birth. Breastfeeding also lowers risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

Observations:

• Lack of awareness about breast feeding, Nutrition and balance diet
• Infants given “ghuti” instead of breast fed at the time of birth
• No proper use of balance diet
• No food diversity
• Use of artificial and packed foods like chicken, formula milk etc

Challenges:

• Women excuses that they can’t afforded all food items because of low socio-economic status
• Demanding nature of the community
• Strong publicity by the Media coverage 
• Concept of tangible activities by NGOs
• Male dominating area
• Decision by male member of community
• Personal/traditional believes of the community

Outcome/intervention:

• women were very pleased with this activity as they gained valuable knowledge in maintaining healthy &  Nutrient full life styles for themselves & their families
• Awareness raised about Balance diet, Breast feeding & nutrition
• Women Social empowerment
• Promote kitchen gardening and organic food to ensure proper health
• Information will shared to other family members and women

Reported By:

                         Rizwana Shaheen RSP UC Beer Villages Bhatt & Ghoraki

Awareness Raising Session

Date:                      6-8-2016

Time:                     12:30 pm

Area/UC:               Beer

Venue:                   village Bhatt

Activity:                 Community Awareness raising Session

No of Participants: 10     

Objective of the session

v  To increase awareness about Balance diet & Breast Feeding

v  To improve care seeking behavior of rural women about nutrition & balance diet

v  To realize rural women about importance of food diversity to overcome malnutrition among women and children

Participants:

• Community women (Youth, Mothers, Mothers in Law, Postnatal)
• President of WNPC
• Rizwana Shaheen (RSP)

Agenda Points

• Role of nutrition and Food Diversity for human life
• Importance of Balance diet
• Importance of Breast Feeding

Procedure:

Activity was started with the recitation of Holy Quran. I introduce herself and introduced Inter-cooperation and IFOAM International. Then took the session about importance of Nutrition and balance diet in daily life.  I started with brainstorming session and asked many introductory questions to ensure active participation of the community and to know the actual situation of community, like

• What they know about Nutrition?
• What is balance diet according to their views?
• Food habits in the community?
• What are the main crops in the area?
• What they know about agriculture and kitchen gardening?
• Main Vegetables and fruits of the area?

Nutrition:

Nutrition is nourishment or energy that is obtained from food consumed or the process of consuming the proper amount of nourishment and energy

Sources of Nutrition:

• Fruits (Fresh/Dried)
• Vegetables
• Dairy Products
• Eggs
• Pulses
• Grains
• Fats
• Meat

What is balance diet :

A diet consisting of the proper quantities and proportions of foods needed to maintain health or growth.

Or

A balanced diet is a way of eating all of the right nutrients that our body needs in order to be healthy. Everyone’s bodies are different and often individuals require a different amount and type of nutrients. This can depend on age, gender, illness and the rate at which our body works.

Importance of Balance diet

A balanced diet is important because our organs and tissues need proper nutrition to work effectively. Without good nutrition, our body is more vulnerable to disease, infection, fatigue, and poor performance. Children with a poor diet run the risk of growth and developmental problems and poor academic performance. Bad eating habits can persist for the rest of their lives.

Eight tips that cover the basics of maintaining a balanced diet and choosing the healthier option:

1. Eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. If we can, try to include more. It is said that only a small number of the population reaches the full five.
2. Cut down our sugar and saturated fat intake.
3. Drink plenty of water, six to eight glasses are the recommended amount. Add a fresh squeeze of lemon if we want a bit of flavor.
4. At least two portions of fish every week
5. Reduce our salt intake.
6. Always eat breakfast , it gives energy for the day. Try to fit in one of that 5 a day.
7. Use starchy foods as the base of meals. These act as fuel for the day.
8. Get active.  Do exercise and try a brisk walk for 30 minutes daily.

Basic portion sizes

• Carbohydrates, such as rice, cereal and potato should generally be the size of fist.

• Butter and spreads are often high in fat and sugar the ideal portion should only be the tip of thumb.

• It is suggested that a portion of protein, like meat and fish, is best matching the palm of hand.

• Professionals advise the fruit and vegetable portion is the largest.

Breast Feeding

Breast feeding by the mother to her new born infant is greatly beneficial as science had proven, and it is mandatory in the Noble Quran.  Allah Almighty Commanded the mother to breast feed her child for two full years.

Importance:

Recent data from the World Health Organization showed that about 60% of all deaths, occurring among children aged less than five years (under-five children) in developing countries, could be attributed to malnutrition. It has been estimated that nearly 50.6 million under-five children are malnourished, and almost 90% of these children are from developing countries.

Why is exclusive breastfeeding recommended for the first six months

International guidelines recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months based on scientific evidence of the benefits for infant survival, growth, and development. Breast milk provides all the energy and nutrients that an infant needs during the first six months. Exclusive breastfeeding reduces infant deaths caused by common childhood illnesses such as diarrhea and pneumonia, hastens recovery during illness, and helps space births.

What Are the Benefits of Breastfeeding for Baby

Breast milk provides the ideal nutrition for infants. It has a nearly perfect mix of vitamins, protein, and fats. Everything a baby needs to grow. And it's all provided in a form more easily digested than infant formula. Breast milk contains antibodies that help a baby fight off viruses and bacteria. It's been thought to lower the risk of diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers as well.

Are There Breastfeeding Benefits for the Mother

Breast feeding burns extra calories, so it can help lose pregnancy weight faster. It releases the hormone, which helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and may reduce uterine bleeding after birth. Breastfeeding also lowers risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

Key Achievement:

A 7 days postnatal Mrs. Zaib were counseled for exclusive breast feeding with sharing all importance of breast feeding for mother-child health. She was happy and agreed and responded positively. She shared that before this no one told her about this valuable knowledge.

Observations:

• Lack of awareness about breast feeding, Nutrition and balance diet
• Infants given “ghuti” instead of breast fed at the time of birth
• No proper use of balance diet
• No food diversity
• Use of artificial and packed foods like chicken, formula milk etc

Challenges:

• Women excuses that they can’t afforded all food items because of low socio-economic status
• Demanding nature of the community
• Strong publicity by the Media coverage 
• Concept of tangible activities by NGOs
• Male dominating area
• Decision by male member of community
• Personal/traditional believes of the community

Outcome/intervention:

• women were very pleased with this activity as they gained valuable knowledge in maintaining healthy &  Nutrient full life styles for themselves & their families
• Awareness raised about Balance diet, Breast feeding & nutrition
• Women Social empowerment
• Promote kitchen gardening and organic food to ensure proper health
• Information will shared to other family members and women

Reported By:

                         Rizwana Shaheen RSP UC Beer Villages Bhatt & Ghoraki

Awareness Raising Session

Date:                      6-8-2016

Time:                     2:50 pm

Area/UC:               Beer

Venue:                   village Bhatt/ Tasleem House

Activity:                 Community Awareness raising Session

No of Participants: 10     

Objective of the session

v  To increase awareness about Balance diet & Breast Feeding

v  To improve care seeking behavior of rural women about nutrition & balance diet

v  To realize rural women about importance of food diversity to overcome malnutrition among women and children

Participants:

• Community women (Youth, Mothers, Mothers in Law, Postnatal)
• President of WNPC
• Rizwana Shaheen (RSP)

Agenda Points

• Role of nutrition and Food Diversity for human life
• Importance of Balance diet
• Importance of Breast Feeding

Procedure:

Activity was started with the recitation of Holy Quran. I introduce herself and introduced Inter-cooperation and IFOAM International. Then I took the session about importance of Nutrition and balance diet in daily life. After this I started with brainstorming session and asked many introductory questions to ensure active participation of the community and to know the actual situation of community, like

• What they know about Nutrition?
• What is balance diet according to their views?
• Food habits in the community?
• What are the main crops in the area?
• What they know about agriculture and kitchen gardening?
• Main Vegetables and fruits of the area?

Nutrition:

Nutrition is nourishment or energy that is obtained from food consumed or the process of consuming the proper amount of nourishment and energy

Sources of Nutrition:

• Fruits (Fresh/Dried)
• Vegetables
• Dairy Products
• Eggs
• Pulses
• Grains
• Fats
• Meat

What is balance diet :

A diet consisting of the proper quantities and proportions of foods needed to maintain health or growth.

Or

A balanced diet is a way of eating all of the right nutrients that our body needs in order to be healthy. Everyone’s bodies are different and often individuals require a different amount and type of nutrients. This can depend on age, gender, illness and the rate at which our body works.

Importance of Balance diet

A balanced diet is important because our organs and tissues need proper nutrition to work effectively. Without good nutrition, our body is more vulnerable to disease, infection, fatigue, and poor performance. Children with a poor diet run the risk of growth and developmental problems and poor academic performance. Bad eating habits can persist for the rest of their lives.

Eight tips that cover the basics of maintaining a balanced diet and choosing the healthier option:

1. Eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. If we can, try to include more. It is said that only a small number of the population reaches the full five.
2. Cut down our sugar and saturated fat intake.
3. Drink plenty of water, six to eight glasses are the recommended amount. Add a fresh squeeze of lemon if we want a bit of flavor.
4. At least two portions of fish every week
5. Reduce our salt intake.
6. Always eat breakfast , it gives energy for the day. Try to fit in one of that 5 a day.
7. Use starchy foods as the base of meals. These act as fuel for the day.
8. Get active.  Do exercise and try a brisk walk for 30 minutes daily.

Basic portion sizes

• Carbohydrates, such as rice, cereal and potato should generally be the size of fist.
• Butter and spreads are often high in fat and sugar the ideal portion should only be the tip of thumb.
• It is suggested that a portion of protein, like meat and fish, is best matching the palm of hand.
• Professionals advise the fruit and vegetable portion is the largest.

Breast Feeding

Breast feeding by the mother to her new born infant is greatly beneficial as science had proven, and it is mandatory in the Noble Quran.  Allah Almighty Commanded the mother to breast feed her child for two full years.

Importance:

Recent data from the World Health Organization showed that about 60% of all deaths, occurring among children aged less than five years (under-five children) in developing countries, could be attributed to malnutrition. It has been estimated that nearly 50.6 million under-five children are malnourished, and almost 90% of these children are from developing countries.

Why is exclusive breastfeeding recommended for the first six months

International guidelines recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months based on scientific evidence of the benefits for infant survival, growth, and development. Breast milk provides all the energy and nutrients that an infant needs during the first six months. Exclusive breastfeeding reduces infant deaths caused by common childhood illnesses such as diarrhea and pneumonia, hastens recovery during illness, and helps space births.

What Are the Benefits of Breastfeeding for Baby

Breast milk provides the ideal nutrition for infants. It has a nearly perfect mix of vitamins, protein, and fats. Everything a baby needs to grow. And it's all provided in a form more easily digested than infant formula. Breast milk contains antibodies that help a baby fight off viruses and bacteria. It's been thought to lower the risk of diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers as well.

Are There Breastfeeding Benefits for the Mother

Breast feeding burns extra calories, so it can help lose pregnancy weight faster. It releases the hormone, which helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and may reduce uterine bleeding after birth. Breastfeeding also lowers risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

Observations:

• Lack of awareness about breast feeding, Nutrition and balance diet
• Infants given “ghuti” instead of breast fed at the time of birth
• No proper use of balance diet
• No food diversity
• Use of artificial and packed foods like chicken, formula milk etc

Challenges:

• Women excuses that they can’t afforded all food items because of low socio-economic status
• Demanding nature of the community
• Strong publicity by the Media coverage 
• Concept of tangible activities by NGOs
• Male dominating area
• Decision by male member of community
• Personal/traditional believes of the community

Outcome/intervention:

• women were very pleased with this activity as they gained valuable knowledge in maintaining healthy &  Nutrient full life styles for themselves & their families
• Awareness raised about Balance diet, Breast feeding & nutrition
• Women Social empowerment
• Promote kitchen gardening and organic food to ensure proper health
• Information will shared to other family members and women

Reported By:

                         Rizwana Shaheen RSP UC Beer Villages Bhatt & Ghoraki

Exposure visits to RSPs Groups:

Exposure visit to Rsps groups on 1^st September first of all the visit planed to the group of Respected and most senior RSP Mr. mian abbasi where the training of the groups member were proceeding by the female trainer their also male training were arranged in the village of Nelore the training theme is about kitchen gardening A large numbers of females and males were join the training session the purpose of exposure visit is to interaction with females of the areas and to know the interest of the people about training on kitchen gardening after introduction session,  gave them the orientation about the project and the work and the sessions was conducting in the areas of Nelore and discussed  series of topics which were discussed in Nelore and others catchments areas. Females take interest in the topics and asked the different questions regarding health and hygiene and nutrition.atfter orientation training was start after orientation we see females really take interest in the training give feedback about the training first day gave them the time and date for the next detail session. There is so many things I have observed about females it would be helpful for me to covered all area and provide them to knowledge about all important topics, at last thanks to all participants to give me the time and take interest in the discussion. And at the end thanks to Mr Abbasi to give me permission for the visit to his group then we according to the plan visit to sir Amir group to watch the theater activity about the nutrition and kitchen gardening. Give us more information and innovation about the activities there we give the orientation about the Awareness rising topic and about the work, IC regarding nutrition and sustainable agriculture.

Objective of the visit:

• To Aware the community about health and hygiene topics
• Meet with the community members
• Developed linkages with the LHVs and TBAs
• Learning and capacity building
• To know about the health and hygiene condition in the areas
• To know the females interests about kitchen gardening
• To attend the training session of kitchen gardening for increased the level of knowledge.
• Give orientation to the females about all works and topics.
  • Awareness rising of community about health and hygiene.
  • To increased the level of knowledge about health and hygiene at community level.
  • Islamic concept regarding health and hygiene importance.
  • To control all diseases especially seasonal diseases speared in community.
  • To follow hygiene all guidelines in our daily life.
  • To promote the good habits of the community regarding hygiene.
  • Use of clean water.
  • Use of fresh vegetables and food in daily routine,
  • TO follow all Pamphlets daily routine.

Observations :

• Lack of awareness regarding health and hygiene or nutrition.
• No nutrition values in the community.
• Problem of water and hospitals are identifying by females in every session.
• Weak linkages with government departments.
• Poverty in the areas.
• Expectation of the people.
• Use of dirty water.
• Malnutrition issues identify.
• Nutrition deficiencies
•  No interest in Kitchen gardening
• Children and women’s food deficiency.
• Poor condition of health of pregnant women’s.
• Male dominated area.
• No interest in agricultural production
• Females take interest in the session and learn more knowledge regarding health.
• Need some practice for behavior change of the community?
• Mixed community is living here some house condition is good some belong to poor families.
• No stress on female education.
• Fears of people and negative rumors of the NGOs in the community.

Expected result :

• We can increase the level of the knowledge and capacity building regarding health and hygiene.
• To cover the areas
• Awareness increased of the community.
• Disease control techniques.
• Behavior change regarding hygiene values,
• Good habits regarding food,
• To follow the all guidelines.
• Promote good values regarding health.
• Clean water use methodology.
• Communities understand the vales of health and hygiene.

Challenges and problems :

•  Negative Behavior of the people
• Nutrition values.
• Secreted houses in far away.
•  Hide their personal information.
• No awareness about health.
• Timing issues. Climate changes.
• Very hot weather.
• Walking distance.
• Negative behavior of people about food.
• No interest shows in agriculture productions.
• Water problem in every place.
•  Mostly contain on mountainous areas.
• No awareness about agricultural productions.
• Lack of education in the areas.
• Very weak condition of child and specially pregnant women’s
• Less use of dairy products in their diet.
• Low status of health.
• Expectations and hopes to the the project.
• No any identifications cards.
• Health and hygiene problems.
• No awareness regarding balance diet.

 Status of accomplishments:

   Activity is completed 

Outcome

• Communities were very pleased with this activity as they gained valuable knowledge in maintaining healthy & hygienic life styles for themselves & their families.
• Awareness rise about Hygiene.
• Capacity building of group.
• Group strengthens.
• Behavior change of the community regarding nutrition values and health and hygiene.
• Experiences share regarding health and hygiene.

 Reported by sidragul(RSP)