Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) - Home Fortification Program
SMC had signed an agreement with Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) to develop a comprehensive Behavior Change Communication (BCC) strategy along with a set of IEC materials to create demand for home fortification solutions in Bangladesh and improve feeding practices of children under the age of 5. This program is funded by the Children's Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF).
SMC had implemented its 2nd phase of the Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) Home Fortification Program. Under this phase, a "Pilot Testing of Sustainable Demand Creation and Utilization of MNP through Community Mobilization" had been implemented by SMC. The overall objective of the pilot testing was to increase utilization of MNP among children between 6-59 months to reduce iron deficiency anemia through delivery of a comprehensive MIYCN program at community level in three upazilas (Monohardi, Katiadi & Chunarughat) of three districts (Narsingdi, Kishoreganj & Habiganj). The specific objectives of this pilot study were:
(i) to promote exclusive breast feeding from birth till 6 months of age (180 days and to timely initiate complementary feeding from 6 months of age to 2 years of age) and
(ii) to increase knowledge of parents and caregivers of children aged 6-59 months about the importance of using MNP, its benefits, dosage and perceived side-effects.
Preliminary findings revealed that if awareness level on MNPs could be increased significantly and the product could be appropriately positioned with the right messages to the right audiences, the demand for MNPs will rise sharply. As a result, this will make an impact on the overall nutritional and health status of the children in the country.
MIYCN project ended on 31 December 2018.
MIYCN Activities:
