Capacity building in the health sector to improve care for child nutrition and development

Abstract

The effectiveness of interventions promoting healthy child growth and development depends upon the capacity of the health system to deliver a high-quality intervention. However, few health workers are trained in providing integrated early child-development services. Building capacity entails not only training the frontline worker, but also mobilizing knowledge and support to promote early child development across the health system. In this paper, we present the paradigm shift required to build effective partnerships between health workers and families in order to support children's health, growth, and development, the practical skills frontline health workers require to promote optimal caregiving, and the need for knowledge mobilization across multiple institutional levels to support frontline health workers. We present case studies illustrating challenges and success stories around capacity development. There is a need to galvanize increased commitment and resources to building capacity in health systems to deliver early child-development services.Keywords: capacity development; knowledge mobilization; empowerment; quality; health workers IntroductionThe health sector has a vital contribution to make in promoting healthy child growth and development. In order for children to reach their optimal development potential, adequate nutrition and the prevention and management of illness are essential, alongside interventions to promote early stimulation in a safe, responsive, nurturing environment. 1 Interventions to improve child survival, nutrition, and development are closely intertwined, and many of the underlying biological and social determinants of success or failure are the same.2 Therefore, integrated health services promoting health, nutrition, and stimulation in the early years are critical. 3 The effectiveness of interventions to promote healthy child growth and development depends, in part, upon the capacity of the health system to deliver a high-quality intervention. Services need to ensure provision and health promotion that is effective and supportive of mothers and their children's health, nutrition, and social, emotional, and cognitive development. Interactions between health workers and families must recognize families as the primary and most important caregivers and teachers for the child. An enabling environment is required to ensure children grow in communities where they are safe and have access to health care and education. Building capacity in the health system and in the wider community is central to meeting these responsibilities for children. In this paper, we present the paradigm shift required to build effective partnerships between health workers and families in order to support children's health, growth, and development, the practical skills frontline health workers require to promote optimal caregiving in families, and the need for knowledge mobilization across multiple levels to support frontline health workers. We present case studies illustrating challenges and success stories aroun...

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