MoH and JICA organise a one-day fair on antenatal care, post-natal care and nutrition

Jigmi Wangdi

The Ministry of Health (MoH) and the JICA Bhutan Office organised a one-day fair to promote maternal and child health, focused on Antenatal Care (ANC), Postnatal Care (PNC), and nutrition on September 7.

The event aimed to promote health-seeking behaviour among pregnant and lactating women and educate them, along with their families, on the importance of ANC and PNC visits, maternal nutrition, and other crucial aspects of a healthy pregnancy.

A team from the Project for Strengthening Maternal and Child Health by Telemedicine System Establishment, JICA Volunteers stationed at health facilities across Bhutan, health workers from Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH), periphery health facilities, and students and faculty from the Faculty of Nursing and Public Health (FoNPH) provided health advocacy and information to participants.

The Chief Representative of JICA Bhutan, Tomoyuki Yamada, said that the fair reflects a longstanding collaboration in maternal and child health. “We are aware that MoH and Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan are taking the lead on this,” he said, adding that the fair can contribute to disseminating the government’s programmes to the public.

He said that depending on this year’s outcomes, the event could become an annual fixture.

A JICA volunteer who is a dietician working at the Wangdicholing General Hospital in Bumthang, Minori Ohira, said that nutrition and dietary habits are crucial for both mother and the child.

“Proper nutrition is essential for both mothers and their children. For instance, replacing rice with quinoa can significantly boost nutritional value,” she said.

She stressed the need for ongoing advocacy to raise awareness about the benefits of a balanced diet. “Of course, change does not come easily. But we have to keep advocating repeatedly on creating awareness of the importance of nutrition in mother and child so that the significance of this is realised in time,” she said.

The fair offered various interactive services, including an iCTG Booth for antenatal check-ups that monitored foetal heart rate and uterine contractions using a mobile cardio topography machine.

Participants also received guidance on introducing solid foods to infants and were shown how to prepare nutritious meals for babies starting at six months.

They also shared information on maintaining proper nutrition during pregnancy and lactation.

The maternal and child health fair supports Bhutan’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3, which focuses on good health and well-being, particularly reducing maternal and neonatal mortality rates.

The collaboration between MoH and JICA seeks to enhance health outcomes for mothers and children and contribute to global health targets.