(Photos: Alberto Pla)
The project we are developing in Joya Grande (Guatemala), carried out in collaboration with FUDI and funded by the Regional Government of Valencia, is beginning to reap important achievements in ensuring access to healthy nutrition and food security for the Kakchiquel population, and especially to combat child malnutrition.
This was seen firsthand by our Projects technician, Irene Aparicio, Alberto Pla, director of the Alberto Pla Social Communication Agency, and Elisa Escorihuela, nutritionist, during their field trip from April 18 to 24. During this visit to Guatemala, they also collected the audiovisual material that will be used to produce a documentary that we will present to you in the coming months.
Workshops and training
In order to address child and chronic malnutrition, several training workshops related to health, nutrition and nutritional assistance have been carried out, and some progress has already been made in this regard.
Among the topics addressed, issues such as breastfeeding (types, benefits and appropriate techniques) or the gastric capacity of newborns have been discussed with mothers of children under 6 months of age and pregnant women. Training has also been offered on water purification methods to ensure water quality and on domestic hygiene.
In addition, several early stimulation workshops were held for children between the ages of 0 and 5 years, and training was provided to local midwives on prenatal stimulation and nutritional care to prevent the birth of babies with low weight and height. In these workshops, participants were able to become aware of the importance and benefits of these practices during pregnancy.
Next goals
The project plans to continue developing activities to combat child malnutrition.
Thus, medical and nutritional care days will be organized for children under 5 years of age and pregnant mothers, which will include the provision of medicines and multivitamins.
In addition, training and workshops will be held to raise awareness of good food, hygiene and nutritional practices.
Early stimulation sessions will also be held to improve the physical, intellectual and social development of children under 5 years of age.
Finally, follow-up home visits and ongoing strategies will be implemented to combat malnutrition and improve the food security of families.
