MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION 4 SUSTAINABLE HEALTH

*1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY*

KCVA implemented maternal and child nutrition activities in sub-counties of Kisoro District to reduce malnutrition, anemia, and stunting among pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under 5.

Through community outreaches, training, and home visits, we reached * mothers and children* with nutrition education and support.

Key result: *% of caregivers reported improved feeding practices* after 3 months.

*2. BACKGROUND*

Kisoro District faces high rates of stunting [approx 35%] and anemia among women due to limited dietary diversity, poverty, and poor feeding practices.

KCVA’s goal is to improve nutrition knowledge and access to diverse, affordable foods for mothers and children in rural communities.

*3. OBJECTIVES*

1. Increase knowledge of balanced diets for pregnant and lactating mothers

2. Promote exclusive breastfeeding for 0-6 months and continued breastfeeding to 2 years

3. Train caregivers on preparing nutritious, low-cost meals using local foods

4. Screen and refer children with malnutrition to health centers

*4. ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED*

Activity Target Group Location Number Reached Key Outcome

**Community Nutrition Education** Pregnant & Lactating Mothers Nyakabande, Muramba, Nyundo 320 mothers 85% can now identify 4+ food groups

**Cooking Demonstrations** Caregivers of U5 children 6 villages 180 caregivers Learned 5 recipes using beans, greens, sweet potatoes, eggs

**Growth Monitoring & Screening** Children 0-5 years Health posts + schools 450 children 42 children referred for severe/moderate malnutrition

**Home Visits & Counseling** Teen mothers & new moms Door to door 95 households Improved breastfeeding and hygiene practices

**Kitchen Gardens Training** Women groups 8 groups 160 women 70% started sack gardens for greens

*5. KEY FINDINGS*

- *Dietary Diversity:* Before training, only 28% of mothers ate 3+ food groups daily. After training: 67%

- *Breastfeeding:* Exclusive breastfeeding rate increased from 45% to 62% in target villages

- *Challenges:* Food insecurity, high cost of animal protein, myths about eggs/fish for babies

- *Success Story:* "I used to give my baby only porridge. After KCVA training I now add beans and greens. He has gained weight" - _Mama Claire, Nyakabande_

*6. CHALLENGES*

1. Limited funds for food supplements and weighing scales

2. Drought affecting kitchen garden production

3. Cultural beliefs delaying introduction of complementary foods

*7. RECOMMENDATIONS*

1. Partner with health centers to provide micronutrient supplements

2. Scale kitchen gardens with seeds and training

3. Integrate nutrition with the reusable sanitary pads project for adolescent girls

4. Quarterly follow-up to track child growth

*8. CONCLUSION*

KCVA’s maternal and child nutrition work is improving health and knowledge in Kisoro communities. With continued support, we can reduce stunting and give every child a healthy start.

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