Abstract:

Zimbabwe is implementing a micronutrient powder program, which was designed to improve micronutrient supplementation to children aged 6-23 months. One year after program inception, there are reports of low uptake of micronutrient powders. The study sought to understand the importance of social and behaviour change communication in promoting uptake of micronutrient powders. The study was conducted in Makoni rural district of Zimbabwe. Key informant and focus group discussions were employed to explore the significance of social and behaviour change communication in promoting uptake of micronutrient powders. Qualitative data analysis methods of transcribing, organizing, categorizing, and coding were used to sift themes and emerging issues. Out of 81 community participants in this study, we found that social and behaviour change communication approaches employed increased knowledge, positive attitude and infant feeding practices among caregivers. On the other hand, we found that lack of adequate information on side effects of micronutrient powders may hinder optimal uptake of micronutrient powders. Social mobilization and capacity building approaches were used utilized to disseminate information on micronutrient powders. We found that few community engagement platforms, limited advocacy and mass media to disseminate information on MNPs may hinder optimal uptake of micronutrient powders. We suggest that nutrition programs in Zimbabwe should consider utilizing an integrated social and behaviour change communication approach and provide adequate information to caregivers on side effects to promote uptake of Micronutrient Powders.

Keywords: Social and behaviour change communication, Micronutrient powders, Uptake, Nutrition, Infant and young child feeding, Zimbabwe.

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