Beneficiaries of the Nutritional promotion and behavioral change programmes under the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUNII) 1000 Most Critical Days Programme (MCDP II) in Ntambu chiefdom of Mwinilunga district are happy with activities of the programme.
One of the beneficiaries, Naomi Jilala said the lessons they are receiving have brought about a number of positive changes in the way they look at matters of nutrition and hygiene.
Ms Jilala a breast feeding mother, said a lot of myths and misconceptions about food to be eaten during pregnancy and child birth have been addressed.
This came to light during a visit by members of the District Nutrition Coordinating Committee (DNCC) Monitoring and Evaluation and Communication and Advocacy technical working groups yesterday.
She explained that they have been educated on the importance of introducing the baby to breast milk immediately after birth and exclusive breast feeding for at least six months.
“It was actually a lie that the first breast milk is not good for a new born baby, now I know,” she said.
She called for more lessons and other nutritional related interventions in the area to continue so that people can grow healthy and reduce stunting.
And a Nutrition Support Group (NSG) Promoter, Marvel Kabwita said men have equally started taking part in matters of nutrition, which has been a challenge in the past due to some cultural beliefs that discourages men from actively involving themselves in household nutritional matters.
“We are seeing a lot of men also joining in to listen to our lessons on various nutrition topics, which has not been the case before,” said Ms Kabwita.
Meanwhile, District Nutritionist, Joel Mukali expressed happiness with the development saying behaviour change is a gradual process which requires consistent dissemination of accurate information on any given subject matter.
Mr Mukali encouraged the NSG promoters and volunteers to continue with sensitization activities if the desired positive change is to be attained.
