Malnutrition in Yemen is a health issue that predates the beginning of the current conflict in Yemen, particularly amongst children, pregnant and lactating women. In Hajjah governorate and its surrounding areas including Qara district, the nearly seven-years -long war has exacerbated malnutrition. To reduce malnutrition levels, Yemen Family Care Association ((YFCA)) in partnership with the World Food Program ((WFP)) started the implementation of “the promotion of preventive and lifesaving nutrition intervention” in Qara district- Hajjah governorate.
At first, our team in the field has faced seven challenges and difficulties. First, the dispersal of the population and their continuous movements to search for pasture and work. Secondly, geographical challenges, as the roads are rough and most of the population lives on mountainous heights Thirdly, the social challenges, customs, traditions, revenge, and internal wars between tribes from time to time. Fourthly, the difficulty of living and lack of livelihood. Fifthly, issues of illiteracy and ignorance. Finally, the selection of the community health volunteers ((CHVs)). One of the main challenges that we faced during the project implementation was the selection of the CHVs. The difficulty was to find educated volunteers, as 90% of women in Qarah are illiterate, and those who were selected had a poor performance level. Moreover, social norms in this area prevent women from working in the field, but with continuous follow-up and hard work the team convinced the community of the CHV’s role in helping children, pregnant, and lactating women. Therefore, making awareness to the BNFs and changing some of the bad nutrition habits in the community.
Despite all of that, YFCA team didn’t give up. They have been working days and nights trying to raise the Qarah residents’ awareness of eating healthy and variant diet importance. “Thanks to the hard work of YFCA’s team, we were able to implement the blanket supplementary feeding program ((BSFP)) activities in one of most hard-to-reach areas.” one of the volunteers said gratefully. People of Qarah now are receiving the nutritional commodities and attend the awareness sessions conducted by the CHVs who screen the community to find Moderate acute malnutrition ((MAM)) cases and refer them to the nearest health facility. For a year, YFCA was able to reach 5279 pregnant and lactating women, in addition to 7011 children under the age of two.
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At first, our team in the field has faced seven challenges and difficulties. First, the dispersal of the population and their continuous movements to search for pasture and work. Secondly, geographical challenges, as the roads are rough and most of the population lives on mountainous heights Thirdly, the social challenges, customs, traditions, revenge, and internal wars between tribes from time to time. Fourthly, the difficulty of living and lack of livelihood. Fifthly, issues of illiteracy and ignorance. Finally, the selection of the community health volunteers ((CHVs)). One of the main challenges that we faced during the project implementation was the selection of the CHVs. The difficulty was to find educated volunteers, as 90% of women in Qarah are illiterate, and those who were selected had a poor performance level. Moreover, social norms in this area prevent women from working in the field, but with continuous follow-up and hard work the team convinced the community of the CHV’s role in helping children, pregnant, and lactating women. Therefore, making awareness to the BNFs and changing some of the bad nutrition habits in the community.
Despite all of that, YFCA team didn’t give up. They have been working days and nights trying to raise the Qarah residents’ awareness of eating healthy and variant diet importance. “Thanks to the hard work of YFCA’s team, we were able to implement the blanket supplementary feeding program ((BSFP)) activities in one of most hard-to-reach areas.” one of the volunteers said gratefully. People of Qarah now are receiving the nutritional commodities and attend the awareness sessions conducted by the CHVs who screen the community to find Moderate acute malnutrition ((MAM)) cases and refer them to the nearest health facility. For a year, YFCA was able to reach 5279 pregnant and lactating women, in addition to 7011 children under the age of two.
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