Notes to broadcasters on malnutrition
Date Posted: July 25th, 2011
Malnutrition and hunger-related diseases contribute to the deaths of millions of children under the age of five in developing countries each year. Traditional healers and health centre staff may have different methods of diagnosing and treating malnutrition. But this story shows that bringing the two viewpoints together can be an effective way to tackle malnutrition.
For background information and definitions of nutrition and malnutrition, visit: http://www.wfp.org/hunger/malnutrition
http://www.who.int/topics/nutrition/en/
http://www.worldhunger.org/articles/Learn/child_hunger_facts.htm
Farm Radio International has produced many scripts on health and nutrition. Browse our archive here: http://www.farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/health.asp
Here are two stories on nutrition previously published in Farm Radio Weekly:
Sahel: Fighting malnutrition with local food security and water management initiatives (FRW 122, August 2010)
Liberia: ‘Lead mothers’ guide path to good child nutrition (FRW 92, December 2009)
Malnutrition has been in the news again recently with the famine in Somalia and drought in East Africa. But poor nutrition and hunger are all too common in sub-Saharan Africa at any time, especially in rural areas. You may wish to produce a program looking at the facts of nutrition and malnutrition, how to recognize and treat symptoms, or how to prevent malnutrition and promote good nutrition. As well as presenting facts, ask women and male farmers what they understand by malnutrition, and try to identify and clarify any misconceptions. Interview health experts or NGOs working on nutrition and health. You could also explore the link between agriculture and nutrition, such as growing vegetables to diversify diets. It is a huge topic, so be creative!
