INTRODUCING NIPPS CIRCLES TO IMPROVE NUTRITION IN KALUPSYA T/A MBENJE, NSANJE

by: Chikumbutso Gasper Willard - 11|05|2023

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In August 2014, after NIPPS (Nutrition Improvement through Positive Practice and Learning for Community Sustainability) volunteer training, a nutritional screening was conducted in Gvh Kalupsya, T/A Mbenje, Nsanje District.

Out of the 40 under-five children screened, 19 were found to be malnourished and met the criteria for NIPPS beneficiaries. One pregnant woman and one twin mother with normal children also joined, bringing the total participants to 21.

Mothers and caregivers of eligible beneficiaries were sensitized about NIPPS and its benefits, and the participants agreed to start their women's NIPPS circle on August 11, 2014. The circle was named Tadala, and 15 women and 14 children attended the first session. A pre-test was conducted by the FACE nutrition and livelihood officer before the session, and the participants agreed to meet three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
During the second and third meetings, there were 14 women and 14 children in attendance.

The topic of discussion was the six food groups, and nutritious flour made during cooking demos was distributed for household use. The participants were highly engaged during the discussions on food groups, and nine point of contacts were conducted with different recipes. Two behaviors change discussion topics during the point of contacts were the six food groups and exclusive breastfeeding.

During the fifth point of contact, beneficiaries were assessed using MUAC (Mid-Upper Arm Circumference) and four children improved from moderate malnutrition to normal. This is an encouraging sign that NIPPS circles are having a positive impact on the nutrition of the community.

In addition to the women's circle, the male circle started on August 26, 2014, with 11 men. This is a positive development, as there was initially resistance to the rollout. The men have promised to work hard and be exemplary to the entire community.

NIPPS circles are an innovative approach to improving nutrition in communities, and the success in Kalupsya serves as a positive example for other communities to follow suit. By sensitizing caregivers and promoting behavior change through discussions on nutrition, NIPPS circles can help reduce malnutrition and improve the health and well-being of communities.