Local strategy of preventive measure for foodborne diarrhea in children under five in Maputo-Mozambique

Background

Foodborne diarrhea prevention in children under five is simple, but it is critical to address the infection's three components prioritized for preventive intervention. This study has developed a local strategy of preventive measures for foodborne diarrhea in children under five in collaboration with stakeholders (caregivers, community leaders, nurses, doctors and health technicians).

Design and method

A Nominal Group Technique (NGT) was used to develop the strategy in two districts, and 31 stakeholders participated. In the rural area (Marracuene), 16 stakeholders participated, while in the urban area (KaMaxaqueni), 15 stakeholders participated. In each area, the NGT session with stakeholders generated ideas and reached a consensus on what should be done in the strategy as measures to prevent foodborne diarrhea in children under the age of five. The process was inclusive, and the strategy summarized the general agreement.

Findings

In rural areas, stakeholders emphasized the importance of hand washing, improving traditional medicine storage conditions, and not giving traditional medicine to children under six months. The measures in urban areas were environmental hygiene, water treatment, and putting ash inside latrines.

Conclusion

The stakeholders prioritized foodborne diarrhea prevention measures based on the reality of the household. The inclusion of stakeholders in the strategy design brings measures that allow for the mitigation of factors.