Objective: To determine the feasibility of distributing micronutrient powders
(MNP) for home fortification during biannual Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health
Week (MNCHW) events, as a strategy to improve young child nutrition.
Design: We evaluated the coverage, delivery, use and adherence of MNP, and
associated behaviour change communication (BCC) materials and social
mobilization, through cross-sectional surveys of caregivers attending healthservice
distribution events and health workers involved in MNP distribution,
facility-based observations of MNP distribution activities and a repeated survey of
caregivers in their homes who received MNP for their child.
Setting: Four Local Government Areas in Benue State, Nigeria.
Subjects: Caregivers of children 6–59 months of age attending health-service
distribution events.
Results: The 8 million MNP delivered in this pilot during three distribution events
were estimated to reach about one-third of eligible children in the area at each
event. Programme fidelity was limited by shortages of MNP, BCC materials and
inadequate social mobilization, with some limitations in health worker training and
engagement. MNP use was consistent with the recommended two or three sachets
per week among 51–69 % of caregivers surveyed at home.
Conclusions: MNP coverage was low, but consistent with that typically achieved
with other services delivered through MNCHW in Benue. Among caregivers who
received MNP, acceptance and use among targeted children was high. While some
weaknesses in knowledge and delivery of MNP by health workers were observed,
health system strengthening and more extensive social mobilization would be key
to achieving higher coverage with MNP and other health services provided
through MNCHW.