Preventing Malnutrition In Vulnerable Communities
Across Vanuatu, recent estimates show that almost one third of children under five suffer from stunting – a severe and permanent form of malnutrition where children do not receive enough nutrients to develop properly.
Many times, stunting is caused by prolonged exposure to fecal matter and improper hygiene. IsraAID Vanuatu’s holistic approach to malnutrition prevention on Emau island combines water, sanitation, and health techniques to ensure that communities and families have the information and tools they need to address the root causes of stunting.
Working across the six communities of Emau island, home to 900 people, IsraAID improved and built new toilet facilities across the island. To help raise awareness, IsraAID created comprehensive and accessible flipcharts in local languages that help explain best practices in health and nutrition. Village Hygiene Promoters, who are part of and familiar with the local community, visited families at home, using the flipcharts to explain the information in a way that is easy to understand and implement.
Working across the six communities of Emau island, home to 900 people, IsraAID improved and built new toilet facilities across the island. To help raise awareness, IsraAID created comprehensive and accessible flipcharts in local languages that help explain best practices in health and nutrition. Village Hygiene Promoters, who are part of and familiar with the local community, visited families at home, using the flipcharts to explain the information in a way that is easy to understand and implement.
