Strengthening care for malnutrition and family planning
Niger has one of the highest birth rates in the world (7.75 children/woman). Large families, closely spaced pregnancies and teenage pregnancies have negative consequences for the health of women and children. MdM is supporting the Illela district health development plan to improve mother and child health services.
» Illéla district in Tahoua region
» ACTIVITIES
In 2011, MdM steps up its activities in 17 health centres and in the Intensive Nutritional Recovery Centre by providing health workers and also training for new health workers. Family planning services were made more accessible and awareness was raised amongst the population thanks to the involvement of religious leaders through sermons, radio broadcasts and poster campaigns. MdM also improved the management of stocks of nutritional products and contraceptives in the health centres and is improving the standard of amenities. Finally, advocacy work, aimed at gaining acceptance for the view that the spacing out of births can contribute to the prevention of malnutrition, continues with the local national authorities and the international community.
» RESULTS
The use of contraceptives increased from 14% in 2010 to 29% in 2011.
» OUTLOOK
MdM is continuing its work in 2012, with the focus on nutritional aspects, in order to respond to the nutritional crisis affecting the region and Illéla district in particular.
A woman from Illéla, beneficiary of the project
"I had three pregnancies close together. Two of my children suffered from malnutrition. That is why I chose to use a method of contraception that would allow my child to be well breastfed and not suffer from malnutrition."
