Stunting Prevention
What is stunting?
Stunting is a form of malnutrition that occurs when a child’s height is “more than 2 standard deviations (< −2 Z) below the age-sex specific mean, as defined by the World Health Organization’s (WHO) reference population.” Stunting is established in utero through the first 5 years of life, and can result in long-term health problems including “diminished cognitive and physical development, reduced productive capacity and poor health, and an increased risk of degenerative diseases such as diabetes.” This condition impacts 155 million children, or 22.9% of the world’s population under the age of 5.
Theory of Change
By partnering with community leaders to provide young Maasai wives and mothers with the necessary healthy foods, deworming medicines, prenatal vitamins and WASH education, we can increase the health and sanitation as well as school attendance of the entire Tindegani community. Our focused collaboration with Maasai women and girls to improve access to education, nutrition and healthy living conditions is based on the well-documented theory that empowered women empower communities.
GOALS
Provide nutritious food and supplements to pregnant girls and young mothers age 16-18
Educate young girls age 13-16 about reproductive health, as well as support in empowerment and sisterhood
Promote handwashing and food sanitation in both groups
Improve and maintain the health of young mothers and their children
Overview
The pilot program starting in Summer 2021 consists of 45 participants divided into two groups: the first includes the majority of participants (30) and consists of newly married pregnant and/or young mothers, age 16-18. All participants will receive zinc supplements, iron-folic acid supplements, deworming tablets, firewood, chickens, healthy food, mosquito nets, and access to healthcare. All of these measures are intended to address one or both of the causes of stunted growth, which are disease and the lack of a nutritious diet. The second, smaller group includes 15 girls, ages 13-16 and will focus on providing reproductive health education and female empowerment and sisterhood among this cohort. Lalafofofo will also promote handwashing, and food sanitation practices to both groups.
Thank you to the Palo Alto Rotary club for all their support and contribution to make this program possible!
