Empowering local health through nutrition corners
The weekly radio programme "Sambad," produced by ACORAB/CIN in support of World Vision International Nepal, has become a catalyst for community accountability and engagement in Tikapur Municipality, Kailali. By involving local representatives and stakeholders, the programme fosters a sense of responsibility towards addressing vital health issues, particularly nutrition.
One of the standout achievements of the "Dialogue" programme has been its role in advocating for the establishment of nutrition corners in various health institutions. In June, Tikapur FM aired a report highlighting the thoughts of health workers and service users, who noted that having a dedicated nutrition corner would greatly enhance the dissemination of nutritional information. This report resonated with listeners and was featured in the 96th episode of "Sambad." As a result of these efforts, ward chairs committed to promptly setting up nutrition corners at key health facilities, including the Dhan Singhpur Health Post and the Bijaynagar Urban Health Centre. On the 4th of Ashar, this commitment marked a significant step forward in promoting community health.
Fast forward to the 28th of Shrawan: after 55 days of advocating for this initiative, a rickshaw carrying a "Nutrition Corner Pyramid" arrived at Dhan Singhpur Health Post. The health post staff eagerly prepared to set up the pyramid, ready to educate service users about the importance of nutrition. ANM Poonam Saud expressed her excitement, stating that the introduction of the nutrition corner would facilitate discussions on nutritional needs and their impacts on health.
Local leaders, like Dig Bahadur Thakulla, chairperson of Ward No. 8, highlighted the programme's influence in rallying support for the nutrition corner. He acknowledged how the "Sambad" programme served as a reminder of their responsibility to improve community health. The nutrition corners consist of wooden boxes with various compartments, designed to showcase the significance of nutritious food, balanced diets, and healthy eating practices. They aim to provide valuable consultations for service users and their caregivers, thereby enhancing the overall health literacy within the community.
On the same day, another nutrition corner was established at the Bijaynagar Urban Health Centre, located 16 kilometres east of Buttanpur. In-charge Usha Bhusal expressed optimism that managing the nutrition corner would simplify the process of educating local residents about nutrition. Currently, nutrition corners have been set up in five cooperative health centres, including the Dhan Singhpur Health Post and Bijaynagar Urban Health Centre, with plans to extend this initiative to three additional health institutions. Kamal Bahadur Rawal, the nutrition focal person at the Tikapur Municipality Health Branch, reported that the arrival of these nutrition corners was a testament to the fulfilment of commitments made during the "Sambad" programme.
Each nutrition corner requires an investment of NPR 15,000 to NPR 16,000. With the federal government allocating a budget for this initiative, Tikapur Municipality aims to create nutrition corners in ward offices, schools, and other public spaces, provided that local representatives are willing to secure the necessary funding. Through the dedicated efforts of the "Dialogue" programme and the engagement of local leaders and community members, Tikapur Municipality is making strides toward enhancing public health and nutritional awareness, paving the way for a healthier future.
Published in CIN: https://fb.watch/uUXEnQwkLJ/
