The Role of Community Mothercraft Centers in Combatting Malnutrition

This paper describes community mothercraft centers which emphasize maternal education in combatting malnutrition in developing countries and emphasizes that the problem is primarily one of educating the mother.

Abstract

In developing countries the preschool child is most vulnerable to restrictions in the food supply and is the group in which malnutrition is most serious. This paper emphasizes that the problem is primarily one of educating the mother. It describes community mothercraft centers which emphasize maternal education in combatting malnutrition. The centers goal is to educate mothers in how to feed and care for infants and young children using techniques that are compatible with their understanding and financial limitations. Recommendations are that there be: 1) low cost locally available food 2) attention directed to protein-calorie malnutrition 3) strong encouragement of breastfeeding 4) good sanitation in the preparation of food the supply of water and the disposal of waste and 5) attention given to the nutritional status of people. A typical community mothercraft center is operated 6 days a week by a young girl (18-22 years of age). 3-4 mothers help the supervisor to feed and care for the children. Locally available food is prepared properly and these preparations are discussed with the visiting mothers. After 4 months the group of mothers leave the center. A center can serve a community of 3000-4000 people or 500-600 families. It is expected that the impact of the center on dietary habits will change over 1-2 years. Centers need to arise from a recognized need in the community. The centers families should be those found in the local village houses. The supervisor is the most important asset to the facility. A dietician and nutritionist are also important to the centers function. 30 children are selected to use the center every 4 months. Case histories are made of the children. An example is given of a centers success in Haiti. Evaluation of the centers success is always necessary. Cost/year in developing countries are approximately $1000-2200/center.