1000 Days of Motherhood

We’ve just received a comprehensive report from the National Food and Nutrition Commission (NFNC) of Zambia’s Ministry of Health about the impact of our Lifeplayers in the 1000 Days of Motherhood project. What Zambians had to say was hugely encouraging. 

Late in 2015, Lifeline Energy donated 52 Lifeplayer MP3s to the  NFNC to use in deep rural communities in Zambian districts where stunting was at or above 20% amongst children. And our media player/radio/recorded is making a positive difference.

The Lifeplayer units were distributed to listening groups enabling sustainable access to the Bushes that Grow series of nutrition and health audio programmes.  Content covers the importance of diverse diets to provide the needed nutrients for the healthy growth and development of children and mothers. The groups are comprised mainly of mothers, although some fathers join as well.  Groups average between 20 and 30 listeners.

Child stunting (low height-for-age) is one of the most serious health problems in the world. And Zambia has not been spared.  While rates of stunting have shown some improvement over the past five years in Zambia, they are still alarmingly high, with almost half the children in rural areas being stunted. Stunting is not only affected by feeding practices and diet, it is influenced by factors like maternal health, hygiene practices, and diseases.

The NFNC reported on use of Lifeplayers and how much communities appreciated being able to select a time appropriate to listen and that they could re-listen to information again if they didn’t fully understand.  Some commented on the value of being able to listen if they missed the listening group meeting, while others stated they walked up to five kilometres because they felt it was important. 

It's too early to confirm to what extent stunting is being mitigated, although listenership is high. The report confirms that listeners are discussing what they’re learning and putting it into practice.  As no communities had access to electricity, they commented on being able to listen without having to buy expensive batteries.   Some groups also recorded other farming and news programmes for all members to listen to. 

All those surveyed also noted that more Lifeplayers were needed.   And that’s where you come in!  More Lifeplayers will enable new groups to listen to both the original Bushes that Grow programmes, as well as the new second instalment of programmes which have recently been created.  

With Mother's Day fast approaching, giving the gift of knowledge to 20 mothers would make a wonderful gift.