MUDRO, in close coordination with the Ministry of Health, successfully conducted a threeday Nutrition Training for Mother-to-Mother Support Groups (MTMSGs) from 11th to 13th December 2024 in Kismayo, Jubbaland. The training, generously funded by the Somalia Humanitarian Fund (SHF), brought together 20 mothers from the surrounding internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and equipped them with essential knowledge and practical skills on Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) and Infant and Young Child Nutrition (IYCN) practices.
Throughout the sessions, participants engaged in interactive discussions, brainstorming, role plays, and hands-on demonstrations focused on early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding, proper positioning and attachment, expressing and storing breast milk, maintaining milk supply, and overcoming breastfeeding challenges. The training also addressed harmful myths and misconceptions surrounding infant feeding that often contribute to malnutrition in Somali communities.
The pre- and post-assessment results reflected a remarkable improvement in participants’ knowledge levels, rising from an average of 45% before the training to over 90% afterward, signifying a strong impact on their understanding and practices. The mothers expressed their appreciation for the opportunity, with many noting that the training had changed their perceptions and motivated them to support other mothers in their communities. MUDRO extends its sincere gratitude to the Somalia Humanitarian Fund (SHF) for its generous support in making this important initiative possible, which plays a vital role in improving community nutrition, reducing malnutrition among children, and fostering healthier generations across Somalia.