Nutrition, Afghanistan

In Afghanistan we have had the privilege of running a health programme in a number of communities where we train men and women on essential elements of nutrition and health during pregnancy and in the early formative years of a child’s life. Nutrition lessons have proven highly impactful both in the families of those who have attended the trainings, and in their communities where those who attend regularly pass on what they have learnt. 

One of the men in the health education programme on nutrition shared that they previously had no knowledge about proper nutrition and childcare. He said that his child did not have a regular diet, nor was he properly cared for, which resulted in poor growth and development. However, after attending the lessons he learned how to feed his child in a structured and proper way. After applying these lessons in his child’s care he saw positive results so that his child is now growing better and is much healthier than before.  

When project managers met with community leaders, they had very good feedback on health education. One said, “Prevention is better than cure. These lessons are very important for our community members. The lessons help to raise their level of awareness. This is a gift that the community can always use!”  

The community leaders have grasped the importance of these health trainings for empowering their community members for better health. Having this support of community leaders in the health programmes is critical, because they now are happy to encourage their community members to attend the group trainings, and they even help in forming those groups. 

Operation Mercy’s partnership with this new and emerging NNGO has built their confidence and capacity, enabling Afghans to impact communities with acts of compassion.