On November 13-14, 2017, Alan Meltzer, Chargé d'Affaires of the United States Embassy in the Kyrgyz Republic visited USG-supported programs in Naryn oblast. In Jan-Bulak village, he joined a home visit by a community volunteer trained by SPRING, to observe counseling on good nutrition and hygiene practices. Mr. Meltzer sat with the family in their living room while the community volunteer counseled the mother of a three-month-old child on exclusive breastfeeding and the introduction of complementary feeding when the baby turns six months old, sharing practical information and recommendations. The community volunteer also shared simple home storage and preservation techniques to improve access to diverse and nutritious foods in the coming winter months, when access to a variety of foods becomes limited.
The mother expressed her appreciation for the informative materials provided by SPRING, saying that she did not understand the importance of a diverse, balanced diet for her family until SPRING started working in the area. Mr. Meltzer noted the importance of SPRING’s work to reduce malnutrition, carried out in partnership with communities.
Pictured: Chargé d'Affaires Alan Meltzer discusses SPRING’s community approach with project staff and volunteers before the household visit.
From left to the right: Agnez Luz, Agrohorizon Chief of Party; Nora Madrigal, Health and Education Office Director, USAID; Zeinep Isakova, Economic Development Project Management Specialist, USAID; Madhwaraj Ballal SPRING Chief of Party; and Alan Meltzer, Chargé d'Affaires, U.S. Embassy in Kyrgyzstan.
