Micronutrients: Small gestures Big Transformation.
Nutrition for Every Child is Now.
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In Angola, the biggest nutritional problem in children between 6 and 59 months is malnutrition in its various forms, including micronutrient deficiency, especially iron.
According to the Multiple Health Indicators Survey (IIMS, 2015-2016), in this age group chronic malnutrition (stunting) had a prevalence of 38% and acute malnutrition (marked weight loss in a short period).
In relation to the province of Benguela, the results verified in the Survey of Multiple and Health Indicators (IIMS 2015-16), say that the province has a prevalence of chronic malnutrition of 55%.
In this context, the National Nutrition Program (PNN), in partnership with UNICEF and the Provincial Health Office (GPS) of Benguela, joined efforts to strengthen the coordination of the nutrition response with comprehensive and integrated actions to combat all forms of malnutrition, with the beginning of an approach carried out in the Municipality of Baía Farta.
The homemade fortification project with Multiple Micronutrient Powders (MNPs) aims to strengthen actions to prevent micronutrient deficiency and treat severe acute malnutrition while reinforcing the improvement of nutrition programs in the Municipality of Baía Farta.
To improve capacities and technical skills in the nutrition sector, the first training sessions were held with nursing technicians, nurses, doctors, and religious and community leaders to provide professionals with theoretical and practical knowledge about home fortification with NPMs.
Dr. Maria Laura Ribeiro, Municipal Supervisor of Nutrition during the training session highlighted that her experience with micronutrients was very positive and shared that the mothers who received the micronutrients said that the children began to have a greater appetite and were able to improve their health.
Dr. Maria Laura Ribeiro also points out that this training brings a set of knowledge that complements her experience and that will contribute to the better implementation of the micronutrient project in Benguela.
In turn, Dr. Flavia Maria, a Doctor at Hospital da Baia Farta, stresses during the training that nutrition in the municipality of Baia is a frequent problem and implementing micronutrients will be the best way to prevent malnutrition in the community.
During the training, Dr. Flavia says that.,
"with the information obtained, I gained knowledge of the importance of micronutrients in the prevention of malnutrition, and I also learned that there are other effective ways to combat malnutrition in addition to Plumpy'Nut"
"The great problem of malnutrition and child health does not fall only on the mother, it must fall on society in general, we must share more information with the Churches and with the community in general. The responsibility for children's health is everyone's." Laudmira Zoáfua Paulo, trainer of the training session, Nutrition Officer of UNICEF Angola.
The official launch of the Municipality project of reference in micronutrient supplementation (Vitamin A and MNPs + GIDA) in Benguela, Baia Farta, took place on January 9, 2025. Representatives of the Municipal Administration, the Benguela Health Office, and civil society attended the event.
"A well-nourished child is a future adult with great potential for creativity and productivity for the development of the country". Gilmar Anderson Roque, Representing the Municipal Administrator.
The project aims to strengthen micronutrient deficiency prevention actions so that GPS Benguela and the Municipal Health Directorate (DMS) Baía Farta can increasingly provide an effective response in relation to micronutrient deficiency in children aged 6 to 59 months.
The main objectives of the project are:
- To improve the coverage of micronutrient supplementation in children 6 to 59 months of age in the selected municipalities (Dombe Grande, Calahanga, Equimina and Sede).
- Ensure the implementation of preventive nutrition activities to support the reduction of all forms of malnutrition.
- Improve the technical capacity of health professionals in the target health facilities for the management of micronutrient supplementation and data management.
- Ensure the continuity of the Integrated Acute Malnutrition Management Program (GIDA) for children aged 6 to 59 months.
UNICEF Angola appreciates the support of the Latter Saint Day Charity / The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in efforts to improve preventive nutrition activities to support the reduction of all forms of malnutrition in Angola.
