Date: 13–15 May 2025
Venue: CSS-AVA Training Center, Rupsha, Khulna
As part of the ongoing efforts under the Global Alliance for Sustainable Nutrition (GASN) project, a comprehensive training session was held from 13th to 15th May 2025 at the CSS-AVA Training Center in Rupsha, Khulna. The training aimed to strengthen the capacity of field-level staff, particularly Nutrition Animators, on critical topics related to Nutrition, Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS), Healthy Village concept understands and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).
Participants
A total of 53 participants attended the training, including:
• 42 Nutrition Animators
• 7 Union Coordinators
• 1 Area Coordinator
• 1 Nutrition Focal Person
• 1 Program Officer
The sessions were facilitated by the Regional Coordinator and members of the Head Office Training Team along with GASN project team.
Key Training Components
The training featured a mix of theoretical and practical sessions, focusing on both knowledge and skill enhancement. Major topics covered included:
• Review of Past Year: Challenges faced, achievements, and key learning from the previous year.
• Overview of Nutrition in Bangladesh and THP Bangladesh activities on Nutrition: Nutritional status, government-led nutrition initiatives, and alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Understanding the Healthy Village Framework: Role of communities and animators in promoting sustainable health practices.
• Roles and Responsibilities of Nutrition Animators: Field engagement, community mobilization, and session facilitation.
• Technical Refresher Sessions:
o Accurate measurement techniques for weight, height, Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC), hemoglobin, and blood sugar (diabetes)
o Understanding the implications of these measurements for pregnant mothers
o Identification of danger signs during pregnancy
• Mother’s Club Sessions: Importance, planning, and facilitation methods for effective community engagement.
• Session Facilitation Skills: Tools and techniques for delivering impactful community sessions.
• Monitoring and Documentation: Practical guidance on GASN project monitoring tools and best practices for report preservation post-session.
• Year 3 GASN Activities: Orientation on upcoming activities and expectations.
Outcome
The training equipped participants with updated knowledge and enhanced their practical skills for field implementation. It fostered a shared understanding of nutrition priorities, improved measurement accuracy, and strengthened the ability of staff to lead impactful sessions within communities.
This capacity-building initiative marks a vital step toward improving maternal and child nutrition, supporting government strategies, and achieving the broader goals of the GASN project.