Insights

In celebration of World Breastfeeding Week in the health district of Dioila, in the region of Koulikoro, the USAID-funded NPI EXPAND project’s Child Survival Activity organized a ceremony to promote breastfeeding and distribute wellness kits. A total of 80 kits were given as prizes to model mothers in the project’s four intervention districts in Koulikoro to encourage good health and hygiene practices. The project’s field agents took the opportunity to advocate for further contributions of nutritious cereals and other nutrition inputs during the lean season, the period in between harvests during which access to food is difficult and prices rise. Cereals and other nutritious foods will be distributed to needy families with young children. Ms. Diallo Fanta Koné, the local counselor in charge of health, praised the project for revitalizing the nutrition action groups (GSANs), establishing resource mobilization plans for nutrition, and the project’s overall impact on the community. She made a pledge to support and accompany the communities in implementing these resource mobilization plans, and to collect contributions of cereals for the lean season.

This commitment, along with the support provided by the municipal authorities, is essential for the sustainability of nutrition activities in Dioïla. During the lean season, when availability of and access to food is a challenge, this will help save numerous children in the district not only from malnutrition, but from other illnesses as well. The ceremony ended with positive remarks on the distribution of the wellness kits to the model mothers which contain a small bathtub for babies, baby potty training seat, a blanket, soap box, water bucket, and a one-liter cup.

The Sous Prefet of Ouelessebougou, Emmanuel Diarra (left), with Mignan Traore, NPI EXPAND representative (right), gives a wellness kit to a model mother (middle). Photo credit: Abdoulaye NIANGALY, USAID/NPI

Prior to the start of the project, the 97 nutrition action groups in Dioïla were not functional, but after NPI EXPAND’s interventions, 92 GSANs are now active. The nutrition demonstrations carried out by these groups are pivotal in community health activities. They carry out behavior change communication activities including educational talks and home visits. During these activities, they sensitize men and women, including lactating and pregnant women, on maternal and child health. The women who distinguish themselves by applying the advice and healthy practices provided by the GSANs are recognized as model mothers for the community.

During these activities, community actors share culinary recipes, provide educational talks on disease prevention, screen children aged from six to 59 months for malnutrition, and refer malnourished cases to health centers. From January to July 2023, 8,082 children in Dioïla were screened, of which 509 cases of malnutrition were referred to the health center for care. Mrs. Diallo Fatoumata KONE, Dioïla municipal health counselor, noted:

“As the local health counselor in Dioïla, I’m really pleased with the impact of the USAID/NPI EXPAND project, especially the promotion of breastfeeding and nutritional activities in our community. The health authorities are also delighted with this work. I felt immense joy in the community’s commitment to support activities to combat malnutrition by mobilizing cereals. The model mothers who have just received the kits will encourage others to continue breastfeeding within the community. As community involvement is essential for lasting change, the municipal authorities will play their part in maternal and child health in our district!”