By GINNAH MINI
The two weeks training of Child Nutrition and Social Protection Project (CNSP) provincial and sub-grantees Training of Trainees (TOT) has ended today with the health personnel participants tasked with the fundamental responsibility of protecting the vulnerable children in the country.
This training for CNSP Project was carried out as a result of 45 percent of children in Papua New Guinea suffering from stunted growth.
Speaking during the closing of the training, Deputy Secretary of National Department of Health, Ken Wai, said that stunting is a measure of the nation’s performance human capital development.
“Stunting is a sudden thief that permanently robs a child from cognitive potential and robs their destination, and future human resource,” said Wai.
“We have to think of our coming generation and address the immediate crises of under- nutrition like stunting and micro nutrition deficiencies.”
Wai said that the National Health Plan 2021–2030’s about The Healthy Island Concept is the frontline of defense and improving children’s health.
Provincial Nutrient Officer from Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority, Mary Rex, who was one of the participants of this training, shared her experience saying that she has learned a lot from this two weeks training.
“This training has deepened our understanding of the importance of nutrition in child development and the role of social protection in ensuring that every child has access to basic needs,” said Mary.
She said that they have learned how nutrition and social protection are interconnected and how they can be used to create a more equitable future for the children.
After the training, the health personnel are equipped to advocate and support the rights and needs of the children and make a difference in their lives.
The participants were from East New Britain Province, Western Highlands Province, Madang, Western Province, Simbu, East Sepik and Central Province.
They were encouraged to work together for the betterment of the children in the nation.