Abstract

TRESCASTRO LOPEZ, Eva Mª et al. Hunger, misery and disease in Latin America and the Caribbean: the role of nutrition in neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Nicaragua. An Venez Nutr [online]. 2015, vol.28, n.2, pp.125-131. ISSN 0798-0752.

Food and proper nutrition are the first and most important of fundamental human rights and the determinants of health of people. In order to help reduce the impact of hunger and facilitate the control and elimination of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), contributing to the extent of food safety in the school population of the Department of Chinandega (Nicaragua), the pilot project “Hunger, misery and disease: the role of nutrition in neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Nicaragua” was developed. This article documents this experience. To achieve the goals a scientific conference with experts in nutrition and NTDs was organized, a panel drew conclusions that were used for drafting the consensus document in which the development of the materials was based to be used in the intervention education: A “Food to grow healthy” manual aimed at health promoters and a “Manual of educational strategies: healthy food for growth” aimed at schoolchildren. Four days of training initially involved 80 teachers from 20 schools were made, and on the last day managed to reach 145 teachers. Then the multiplication phase in schools was developed with the participation of 2,327 children between 7 and 14 years old. In this experience the receptivity of teachers, improving their skills and knowledge are a guarantee for replication in children.

Keywords : Nutrition programs; food and nutrition education; feeding; international cooperation; non-governmental organizations; foundations; school feeding; neglected tropical diseases; Nicaragua.

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