Reference :
V-P-SS-E-00678
Date :
08/04/2015
Caption :
South Sudan Red Cross volunteers explain to the community how to prepare Super Cereal.
Confidentiality level :
public
Publication restrictions :
publication without restrictions
Description :
ICRC website, article of the 4th June 2015:
" Displacement, insecurity, flooding and a host of other issues have negatively impacted the ability of many South Sudanese to grow or otherwise access staple foods. This is compounded by renewed fighting, which has displaced thousands of people, preventing them from planting and cutting off their access to markets. Nutritionist Marijka Van Klinken explains the results of the ICRC's intervention so far.
[...]
What is the ICRC doing to prepare for this season?
As noted, the ICRC's approach to food insecurity is preventative. We are looking for and implementing evidence-based ways to prevent malnutrition, targeting young children who are nutritionally the most at-risk group. Chronic or acute malnutrition in children under five can have lifelong repercussions on health, life expectancy and quality of life.
Malnutrition is caused by two things generally: poor dietary intake and disease. As the rainy season approaches, we expect to see a rise in water-borne illnesses, particularly among displaced communities. This challenge combined with the depletion of food stocks will make for a particularly difficult period for many in the most affected areas. In order to help young children continue to get the micronutrients they need during this difficult period, we have added a new item – Super Cereal – to our food basket.
What is Super Cereal?
Super Cereal is a nutritional supplement for children under five years of age that has been fortified with vitamins and minerals. It is a blend of corn, soya and a small amount of sugar, plus the required vitamins and minerals. It is meant to be a supplement, and not a replacement, for other food. It provides children with extra kilocalories, and helps add enough extra food to enable children to eat three times a day. This increased frequency combined with the additional micronutrients are important factors in the prevention of childhood malnutrition.
How do people understand the benefits of Super Cereal?
As important as providing the Super Cereal itself is providing practical information to enhance how families can best benefit from it. Through radio announcements, a radio drama and sessions in communities where Super Cereal will be distributed, as well as at the distribution points, we have been explaining what it is, that it is intended for young children, and how to cook it. Nearly 2,000 mothers have so far participated in these community outreach meetings and cooking demonstrations. This allows for good exchange of useful information about the proper way to prepare the Super Cereal, its benefits for young children, and promotion of good hygiene practices. [...] "
Original material :
digital
Resolution :
4000x3000
Orientation :
landscape
Colour/B&W :
colour
