The ongoing implementation of the Child Nutrition and Social Protection (CNSP) project in the Gazelle District of East New Britain has captured the interest of the newly appointed United Nations Resident Coordinator in Papua New Guinea, Ms. Shalini Bahuguna.
During her recent visit to the province to assess the destruction caused by Cyclone Maila, Ms. Bahuguna travelled to Napapar Ward Four, one of the sixty-eight wards actively implementing the CNSP initiative.
A handful of mothers and Village Health Assistance (VHA) were present to share first-hand information on the status of CNSP implementation on pregnant mothers and children between the ages of 0-5 years.
The project is in its third year of operation, an initiative of the government and supported by the World Bank and DFAT, aimed at reducing child stunting and malnutrition.
Addressing the mothers and the VHA at the ward chamber hall, Ms Bahuguna said that the United Nations was keen to have more information on CNSP rollout since its line agency UNICEF was a leading technical advisor on this project.
“I am trying to fully understand how things have been in the last three years of implementation and further find out if the project is having an impact on the mothers and children.”
“With high numbers of stunting or children under weight, the concept of having trained VHC, is a great approach, allowing for those concerned to be monitored daily in respective wards.”
“I want to commend you all and further encourage everyone to continue doing this.”
According to the Gazelle District Health Coordinator, Vunais Leba, a handful of referrals have been made by the VHA to the nearest health centres.
“We have now seen the CNSP project achieving results with a lot of nutrition issues addressed by VHAs, allowing health staff in health centres to be focused in other areas of health deliveries.”
“People are now doing a lot of back yard gardening and are cooking a balanced meal.”
Meanwhile, 136 VHAs were in the four Local Level Governments (LLGs) in the Gazelle District, addressing malnutrition, identifying underweight children for referral and exercising health advocacy.
