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SPRING Project hosts its first advocacy workshop to improve maternal and child nutrition in Bangladesh

female health worker interacting with clients

From May 23-24, 2012, the SPRING Project led a nutrition advocacy workshop in Barisal, Bangladesh. Government officials and representatives from local organizations gathered to assess strategies aimed at improving maternal and child nutrition services. Through interviews with pregnant women, new mothers, and health personnel, workshop attendees learned that health workers needed practical training on health and family planning as well as specific nutrition and hygiene action items that followed a multi-sectoral approach. Following this rapid assessment, health and agriculture officials agreed to train staff on nutrition, hygiene, and more effective counseling. SPRING Project partner Helen Keller International and the Alive & Thrive Project have organized a specialized training for key staff in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to take place this summer. The SPRING Project will hold similar advocacy events in Khulna and other districts in Bangladesh in the coming year.