Launch of a Micronutrient Powder Program in Namutumba District, Uganda

On March 15th, 2015 in Nsinze Sub-Country, Namutumba District, Uganda’s Ministry of Health—in conjunction with Namutumba District leadership, SPRING, World Food Programme, and UNICEF—launched a pilot program to improve children’s nutrition within the district. The program involves distribution of micronutrient powders (MNPs) through village health team (VHT) members or health facilities to enable caregivers to fortify foods and the point of use (often called home-based food fortification). The program also includes sharing of information on improved infant and young child nutrition and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices.

In addition to government and partner stakeholders, members of the community attended the launch event, which featured extensive edutainment, including food demonstrations and informative speeches by dignitaries.

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A band leads Village Health Team members on a march through Nsinze to gather attendees and promote the launch

The SPRING exhibition booth, featuring nutritious foods

Micronutrient powders should compliment a diverse diet

Manohar Shenoy, SPRING/Uganda Chief of Party, addresses members of the community

Hon. Florence Mutyabule, Area Women Member of Parliament, addresses the community members

District Nutrition Focal Person Kizito Ndegeya

Rose Namukose, a beneficiary of the MNP program, shows off the baby who she has successfully enrolled

Hamis Kiduuika, a VHT member delighted to deliver MNPs and information to the community

Guest of Honor Dr. Jacent Assimwe endorses the food demonstration by the Namutumba community members

Dr. Jacent Assimwe, the Guest of Honor, visits the exhibition stall at the launch event

SPRING-trained VHT members demonstrate use of infant and young child feeding job aids to Guest of Honor Dr. Jacent Asiimwe

Guest of Honor Dr. Jacent Asiimwe prepares food to combine with micronutrient powders

Guest of the Honor Dr. Jacent Assimwe demonstrates how to mix the MNPs into food

Guest of Honor Dr. Jacent Assimwe demonstrates how to feed a child with the food mixed with MNPs

Guest of Honor Dr. Jacent Asiimwe feeds a young child fortified food

Guest of Honor Dr. Jacent builds rapport with a child before serving food mixed with MNPs

WASH promotion through enabling technology: the tippy tap

The launch event was lively, with dancing and music to entertain and educate the community

Front row, from left to right: Emmanuel Ahimbisibwe (MOH), Dr. Jacent Asiimwe (MOH), David Katuntu (SPRING). Back row, from left to right: Kasubi Wycliff (Namutumba District) and Kizito Ndegeya (Namutumba District)

Group picture of leadership from the Ministry, District, and SPRING