Home Fortification with a Small-quantity, Lipidbased Nutritional Supplement to Improve Complementary Feeding and Child Nutritional Status in Kasenga (DR Congo).
Date
2015
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Abstract
Objectives: To address the high prevalence of anemia and chronic malnutrition (71% and 43%
among children <5 respectively), UNICEF and CDC supported the Ministry of Public Health to
develop an integrated IYCN pilot program in October 2012, which includes the distribution of a
small-quantity, lipid-based nutrition supplement (SQ-LNS), through the routine health system. The
program targets 16,500 children 0-12 months and their mothers.
Methods: The program involves i) monthly individual and group IYCN counseling by trained health
workers and volunteers, and ii) a monthly distribution of SQ-LNS (locally known as Kulabora) to
children 6-12 months through the health system, for daily consumption. Formative research was
conducted to generate culturally acceptable key counseling messages and product branding.
Routine health system reporting and bi-annual Lot Quality Assurance Surveys (LQAS) are used for
program monitoring. Results: After 10 months of intervention, LQAS data showed 65% of mothers received the
Kulabora at the last monthly health center visit, 53% received IYCN counseling at this visit, and
additionally 55% received counseling by volunteers at home. Routine monitoring data reports that
3,100 women have enrolled in the program and approximately 2,000 children receive Kulabora
monthly. Results from two rounds of LQAS show improvements in several IYCN indicators. LQAS
data has allowed for targeted corrective action and further formative work will be used for program
strengthening.
Conclusions: Formative research has been important for program success, and program
implementation is possible even in difficult settings. The impact assessment in October 2014 will
inform a possible scaling up of the program.
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Citation
Abba Aissatta Moussa, Namema Ambroise, Nanama Simeon, Ategbo Eric, Sandalinas Fanny, Kupka Roland, Clayton Heather, Mei Zuguo, Situma Ruth, Tripp Katie. Home Fortification with a Small-quantity, Lipidbased Nutritional Supplement to Improve Complementary Feeding and Child Nutritional Status in Kasenga (DR Congo). European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety. 2015 Special issue; 5(5): 1130-1131.