Conference abstract
Local actions for better nutrition towards universal health coverage: the experience from Dodoma, Morogoro, Rukwa & Iringa, Tanzania
Pan African Medical Journal - Conference Proceedings. 2024:21(43).29
Apr 2024.
doi: 10.11604/pamj-cp.2024.21.43.2372
Archived on: 29 Apr 2024
Contact the corresponding author
Keywords: Nutrition services integration, health equity promotion, capacity building in healthcare, sustainable development goals, breastfeeding and complementary feeding improvements
Oral presentation
Local actions for better nutrition towards universal health coverage: the experience from Dodoma, Morogoro, Rukwa & Iringa, Tanzania
Brenda Raphael Mshiu1,&, Juliana Julius Mshama1, Victoria Marijani1, Carolyn O’Donnell1, Joanita Muruve1
1Save the Children, Tanzania
&Corresponding author
Introduction: save the Children's Lishe Endelevu project aimed to reduce healthcare disparities by integrating nutrition services into primary healthcare, focusing on vulnerable populations affected by poor nutrition. Through capacity building of frontline workers and empowering households, the project sought to improve access to nutrition services and promote health equity.
Methods: the project conducted baseline and follow-up assessments across 345 health facilities using an e-comprehensive nutrition supportive supervision tool. The methodology included observations, interviews, document reviews, and skills assessments, with action plans developed for each facility.
Results: initial findings showed a lack of knowledge and skills among healthcare providers, with low rates of exclusive breastfeeding and dissatisfaction with nutrition budgets. Following interventions, significant improvements were noted: exclusive breastfeeding rates rose to 74%, and nearly all children were breastfed within one hour of birth. Training of service providers improved, and all facilities planned for nutrition activities. The availability of MIYCAN tools and counseling aids increased, as did the provision of nutrition education and counseling.
Conclusion: the USAID Lishe Endelevu project highlights the critical role of nutrition in primary healthcare and sustainable development goals. Collaborative efforts led to increased budget allocations, improved planning, and strengthened quality of nutrition services. Despite progress, challenges remain, underscoring the need for continued advocacy and leadership to ensure equitable access to nutrition services and promote well-being. Integrating nutrition into primary healthcare is essential for healthier communities and future generations.
Local actions for better nutrition towards universal health coverage: the experience from Dodoma, Morogoro, Rukwa & Iringa, Tanzania
Brenda Raphael Mshiu1,&, Juliana Julius Mshama1, Victoria Marijani1, Carolyn O’Donnell1, Joanita Muruve1
1Save the Children, Tanzania
&Corresponding author
Introduction: save the Children's Lishe Endelevu project aimed to reduce healthcare disparities by integrating nutrition services into primary healthcare, focusing on vulnerable populations affected by poor nutrition. Through capacity building of frontline workers and empowering households, the project sought to improve access to nutrition services and promote health equity.
Methods: the project conducted baseline and follow-up assessments across 345 health facilities using an e-comprehensive nutrition supportive supervision tool. The methodology included observations, interviews, document reviews, and skills assessments, with action plans developed for each facility.
Results: initial findings showed a lack of knowledge and skills among healthcare providers, with low rates of exclusive breastfeeding and dissatisfaction with nutrition budgets. Following interventions, significant improvements were noted: exclusive breastfeeding rates rose to 74%, and nearly all children were breastfed within one hour of birth. Training of service providers improved, and all facilities planned for nutrition activities. The availability of MIYCAN tools and counseling aids increased, as did the provision of nutrition education and counseling.
Conclusion: the USAID Lishe Endelevu project highlights the critical role of nutrition in primary healthcare and sustainable development goals. Collaborative efforts led to increased budget allocations, improved planning, and strengthened quality of nutrition services. Despite progress, challenges remain, underscoring the need for continued advocacy and leadership to ensure equitable access to nutrition services and promote well-being. Integrating nutrition into primary healthcare is essential for healthier communities and future generations.
