5 Feb 25
Since November 2019, PHASE Worldwide has been delivering a two-year project funded by the Waterloo Foundation. Based in Bajura, the project aims to improve levels of nutrition in 1,000 vulnerable women and girls through training in nutritional best practices, increasing availability of nutritious foods, and community advocacy of local leaders.
Bajura is one of the most remote districts in the Far West of Nepal, with the majority of villages only accessible by foot. Women and children are particularly vulnerable in these areas, with Chhaupadi (taboos about menstruation) forming prevalent beliefs and the child malnutrition rate standing at almost half (47%) . Our project aims to tackle malnutrition amongst mothers and children in the first 1,000 days of life, working towards Sustainable Development Goals 2 and 3 : Zero Hunger and Good Health and Well-Being. We will contribute to SDG 2.1-2.3 through aiding the access of 400 poor and vulnerable families (including 1,200 infants) to safe nutritious food year round (2.1), whilst addressing the nutritional needs of adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women and older persons (Global Goal 2.2).
PHASE is working towards the goal of improved nutrition in Bajura through a three stage integrated process of training in nutritional best practices, increasing availability of nutritious foods, and community advocacy of local leaders. Training will be delivered to 400 mothers on nutritional best practice with a strong focus on the 1,000 day window: this training results in the improvement of nutrition behaviours, fortification of foods through learning how to make super flour, exclusive breastfeeding and diet diversification.
will indirectly benefit from these activities
This training is supplemented by an increase in the availability of nutritious foods through mushroom cultivation and poultry rearing. Within this programme 250 mothers will be supported with small-scale farming equipment and ongoing training, which will further benefit 1,200 children. These activities will be carried out by our Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) who are embedded in the communities they serve at the community health posts. Wider community education, and the education of opinion leaders, is carried out alongside nutrition programmes in order to secure buy-in for PHASE projects from community leaders. Nutrition workshops take place from community through to district level: at district and Gaupalika level we work with 250 local government officials, NGO’s, community leaders and other key stakeholders. At village level, we work with 30 Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs) and mothers groups to run street dramas on nutrition behaviours. All 12,771 residents of the three villages our projects operate in will benefit from this education.
We are focused on engendering social and environmental sustainability through this project. Working closely with the government and marginalized groups helps to foster social change and embed the importance of nutrition into government frameworks. Environmentally friendly strategies and materials are further employed by PHASE to work against environmental degradation.
If you would like to support the work of PHASE Worldwide and help us to continue empowering people living in isolated regions of Nepal the best way to do so is through regular giving. Even the smallest amount a month can make a huge difference. As a regular supporter you will receive a welcome pack, exclusive updates and will become part of the PHASE family. You can set up your regular gift easily and securely online.