Health and Nutrition Program
Reducing morbidity and mortality in children 0-5 years old and women 15-49 years old, while empowering communities to make decisions to improve their health.
Program Goals
The Health and Nutrition Program aims to reduce morbidity and mortality in children aged 0-5 years and women aged 15-49 years. We work to empower communities to make informed decisions that improve their health outcomes through education, support, and sustainable practices.
A key focus is preventing under-nutrition among pregnant women and children under two years, emphasizing the critical importance of the first 1,000 days of life for long-term health and development.
Primary Areas of Intervention
Nutrition
Education and support for proper nutrition, emphasizing balanced diets and infant feeding practices
Environmental Hygiene
Promoting clean and healthy living environments in homes and communities
Maternal Mental Health
Supporting the psychological well-being of mothers throughout pregnancy and postpartum
Reproductive Maternal Health
Comprehensive care for mothers during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery
Newborn & Child Health
Ensuring healthy development for children 0-5 years through preventive care and education
Adolescent Health
Addressing the unique health needs of young people in the community
Our Approaches
CFO prioritizes community mobilization approaches for behavior change, promoting key family best practices through proven methodologies.
A cascade training approach where trained volunteers lead small groups of mothers, enabling rapid dissemination of health information throughout the community.
Self-Evaluation for Effective Decision-making and Systems for Communities to Adapt Learning and Expand. A community-driven development methodology.
Practical, hands-on learning where farmers teach farmers improved agricultural techniques integrated with nutrition education.
Intensive 5-day programs held 2-3 times yearly, teaching mothers about proper nutrition through hands-on practice and active learning.
INEZA Project Results
Results from our integrated Farmer Field Learning School program in Kamonyi District (Karama, Rukoma, Gacurabwenge sectors)
930
Farmers Trained
522 men, 408 women
222
Children Under 5 Reached
209
Lactating Mothers Supported
35
Pregnant Women Assisted
25
FFLS Leaders Trained
10,000
Erosion Control Trees Planted
Nutrition Weeks
Nutrition Week is a five-day intensive program held 2-3 times each year, designed to teach mothers about proper nutrition for children under five, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
Participants gather in small groups of 10 every day for a week. Sessions are led by community volunteers known as “Light Mothers” (Positive Deviant Mothers) who model successful feeding practices.
This hands-on approach provides active learning opportunities to build self-efficacy in implementing ideal maternal, infant, and young child feeding behaviors.
- Preparing a balanced diet with local ingredients
- Making thicker, more nutritious porridge
- Engaging husbands in food preparation
- Improved hygiene practices and handwashing
- Retaining home produce to feed children
- Sharing best practices with other women
Support Our Health Programs
Your donation helps us reach more families with life-saving health and nutrition education.