Posted by Duncan Maru
The Child Health Foundation has generously awarded a $5,000 grant to Nyaya Health to combat malnutrition in Achham. From our grant proposal summary:
We are developing an innovative program to combat childhood malnutrition through female community health volunteers (FCHVs). FCHVs are women from within local communities who serve as indigenous paramedics and public health providers. These FCHVs already form a part of the government of Nepal’s health infrastructure, but they typically are under-trained, under-utilized, and under-supported. If sufficiently trained and supported, however, they can have a significant and sustainable impact on child health. From our community base in Achham, Nyaya Health is developing a scaleable, culturally-appropriate, equitable, and effective model to train and support FCHVs. They will be supported by each other, through our existing social networks, and through our telemedicine program that connects villages to each other. FCHVs will specifically deliver the following interventions: 1) education of mothers on nutrition and breast feeding; 2) routine height and weight monitoring and nutrition interventions for identified cases of malnutrition; 3) distribution of vitamin A, iron, and anti-helminthic medicines; 4) Screening and treatment of diarrheal diseases. This model will be applicable not only to rural Nepal but throughout rural South Asia and beyond. As we do with all our programs, we will make the results of this work freely accessible to the public via our website. This will enable rapid dissemination of our innovations among poor communities throughout the world.
Nyaya Health Community Health Worker Kamala Koli assessing nutritional status
