Formative research and pilot study to inform the introduction of home fortification with micronutrient powders in Uganda (supported by UNICEF, the UN World Food Programme, the University of British Columbia, and USAID/SPRING Uganda)

Background

The results of the 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey indicate that poor nutritional status is widespread in Uganda, particularly among young children. The diet is based on staple foods such as plantains, starchy roots, and grains and, in general, lacks the dietary diversity, energy and micronutrient density required for proper growth and development. Chronic malnutrition, which manifests as stunting or low height for age, affects 29% of children under the age of five years and 53% of children in the same age group also have some level of anaemia. 

In Uganda, most infants are introduced to foods and fluids earlier than the recommended six months of age, which places them at an increased risk for malnutrition and disease. In addition, when complementary foods are introduced at six months of age, they often lack the energy density needed for growth as well as the necessary variety to provide essential micronutrients. 

In order to improve the nutritional status of children, the Government of Uganda aimed to introduce home fortification with MNP to improve the quality of complementary foods and infant and young children feeding practices among caregivers.
 

Our work

Beginning in 2014, the Nourish team supported the Ministry of Health and partners (UNICEF, WFP and USAID/SPRING) in undertaking formative research to inform the introduction of home fortification with MNP as one of the key strategy to address micronutrient deficiencies in the most affected districts of Uganda. In addition to gathering data on local knowledge, attitudes, and practices around child feeding and care, this research included the development of product packaging, and information, education, and communication materials. Following the formative research, our team returned to Uganda to support cascade training of health staff during the roll-out of the pilot.