Happy summer! My name is Ellina, and I am in the MPH/RD program at Gillings (recent MPH grad!). For the Public Health Nutrition Management Field Experience and Advanced Nutrition Experience portions of my dietetic internship, I have the great privilege to work with Helen Keller International (HKI) on Suaahara II: a $63 million USAID-funded project in Nepal. HKI partners with the Government of Nepal, UN agencies, and six consortium organizations to implement a multi-pronged project that aims to improve the nutritional status of women and children who fall within the first 1,000 days.
Over the past few weeks, I have been working with a dietitian to write a protocol on how to incorporate affordable, locally available, and nutrient-dense foods for moderate acute malnourished children receiving treatment at Nutrition Rehabilitation Homes. Working on this national report has given me the opportunity to sit in a meeting with the Ministry of Health and Population of Nepal to observe and participate on national nutrition decision-making processes.
During my stay a political shift has occurred and, with the success of Suaahara II depending on the support of Nepal’s government, it means that HKI must build relationships with the new governmental parties. In the following weeks, I will support the nutrition team as we visit villages to discuss the importance of growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) guidelines at the municipality level. In the presence of the municipality’s health section chief and sub section chief, we plan to observe health care professionals while they assess childhood malnutrition and discuss the feasibility of following the newly proposed GMP guidelines. In addition to visiting the health facilities, I hope to make connections with the families that we hope to serve by actively engaging in cooking demonstrations and providing support to mothers during their children’s birth milestones.
I am fortunate to have the opportunity to visit villages before the monsoons prevent travel to areas outside of the Kathmandu Valley. Monsoon season means hot, humid days with lots and lots of rain that can cause landslides and road blockages, making it near impossible to travel. Luckily, I will get the chance to visit places outside of the Valley for work and HKI has been very gracious in allowing me to take a short recreational trek. I know that trekking during this time means blankets of clouds are likely to cover the mountains and other vantage points. While I am happy to see the greenery of the hillside, I am beyond ecstatic to see the clouds break away from the Annapurna mountain range to see a glimpse of my first proper mountain — in Nepal, a mountain isn’t considered a mountain unless it’s over 7,000m (22,965ft) and everything beneath that is a hill.
I’m not sure what all this summer will bring but I look forward to continuing her work with HKI, learning from the locals in the community, and eating as much dal bhat that my stomach can take.
-Ellina