Browsing by Author "Sutér, Melanie"
Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
Results Per Page
Sort Options
Item Creating an Enabling Environment for Scaling-up MNP in Lao PDR: A Private-public Partnership.(2015) McLean, Judy; Sutér, Melanie; Powell, Shane; Siengsounthone, Latsamy; Medina, Sheyla; Phengdy, Bounthom; Lynch, Aine; Berdaga, VioricaObjectives: The Scaling-Up-Nutrition movement recognizes the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships to deliver high-impact nutrition interventions. A private-public partnership in Lao PDR - supported by MMG Limited and involving the Ministry of Health (MoH), UNICEF, Population Services International (PSI) and University of British Columbia (UBC) - offers an opportunity to evaluate such a partnership and to develop an operational delivery model for Micronutrient Powders (MNP). Develop an effective, scalable and sustainable operational delivery model for MNP through a multistakeholder approach involving public and private sector partners. Methods: UBC, PSI, UNICEF and the MoH collaborated through telecommunications and in person, and conducted formative research in rural and urban areas to inform communication materials, food vehicles, packaging, and distribution channels for MNP. Input from all partners was provided for interview guides and other evaluation tools. Results: Individually the partners prepared reports on different research components and collectively provided input into findings. Together, a comprehensive communication strategy has been drafted that promotes MNP along with improved complementary feeding. The MoH and UNICEF, with technical input from UBC, is developing a free distribution model using health workers and volunteers to reach children aged 6-23 months. PSI is creating a social marketing model to complement public sector distribution and expand access to MNP for children aged 6-59 months. Conclusions: This private-public partnership has provided an opportunity to create an enabling environment for scaling-up MNP in Lao PDR. Processes to date highlight the value of different partner perspectives in the design and implementation of formative research, communication materials and programme activities.Item Formative Research to Guide Successful Scale-up of Micronutrient Powder Programmes: Lessons Learned from a 4 Country Comparison.(2015) Sutér, Melanie; Omwega, Abuid; Brunet, Dominique; Ejigui, Jeanne; Berdaga, Viorica; Ngabo, Fidele; Foley, Jennifer; McLean, JudyObjectives: Micronutrient Powders (MNP) have been shown to reduce anaemia among young children and are reportedly easy-to-use for home fortification of complementary foods. Many countries are considering implementing MNP. However, to facilitate optimal implementation, formative research must be conducted to address country-specific household barriers such as cultural practices, knowledge and beliefs. 1. Compare findings from 4 countries where formative research was conducted to inform MNP protocols and communication materials. 2. Evaluate tools and share lessons learned to inform country-specific MNP programmes. Methods: In Rwanda, Zambia, Cameroon and Lao PDR, focus groups were conducted with caregivers; and individual caregivers, health workers and community leaders were interviewed on IYCF knowledge, attitudes and practices, anaemia and beliefs. Home-based MNP trials then followed children 6-23 months over 14-30 days with caregivers interviewed to evaluate acceptability and adherence at baseline, midpoint and endline. Formative research tools, MNP and IYCF communication and training materials were tested. Results: Practices varied considerably by country and important barriers identified, particularly regarding complementary feeding. Age at introduction, suitable food vehicle availability and consistency were frequently not concordant with recommendations. For example, in Rwanda porridge was too liquid and in Laos sticky rice too dense for delivering MNP. Whereas, home fortification was universally accepted and tools developed were highly usable. Conclusions: Formative research was indispensible as knowledge, attitudes and practices varied widely between countries with implications for usage, training and communication materials. Tailoring global guidelines using our research tools will help ensure optimal development of country-specific protocols and ultimate effectiveness of MNP home fortification scale-up.