Berea — Three nutrition clubs under Ha-Foso Sub Area have completed a two-day training on complementary feeding hosted by Maqhaka Resource Centre at St John Anna AME Church in Khubetsoana.

Speaking to the Agency, Maqhaka Resource Centre Area Technical Officer (ATO) Nutrition Ms Mahlompho Sheane said the training forms part of ongoing efforts to combat malnutrition and stunting by equipping key stakeholders, including nutrition clubs, with the necessary knowledge and skills.

She said although some of the participants were women beyond child-bearing age, they play an important role in ensuring the wellbeing of families as they often become guardians and caregivers when nursing mothers return to work or attend to other responsibilities.

Sheane said the women needed to be reminded of the importance of breastfeeding so they could encourage their daughters to breastfeed their babies.

She added that participants were also taught proper ways of preparing semi-solid foods for babies. Sheane said the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, from conception to two years, are crucial for growth and development, hence the continued promotion of exclusive breastfeeding.

She said after six months of exclusive breastfeeding, babies require additional energy and nutrients, making it necessary to introduce complementary foods.

She urged nursing mothers and caregivers to learn how to prepare complementary foods properly without destroying the nutrients.

Sheane also stressed the importance of protecting both mothers and newborns during the complementary feeding period, saying good hygiene practices were among the topics covered during the training. She said the centre’s vision is to increase the participation of men in nutrition clubs in an effort to promote healthy families and communities.

During the training, participants were also taught how to prepare various recipes, including cabbage and carrot stew and banana yoghurt.

The training was attended by 11 women from three nutrition clubs, namely Phahameng, Khutsong and St John Anna.