Asparagus Powder Distribution Program for Breastfeeding Promotion: Perspectives from Mothers and Health Service Providers

PROJECT STATUS
Completed

PROJECT DURATION
2017

ESTIMATED BUDGET
NPR 262, 000

COLLABORATION
Department of Ayurveda

DISTRICT (S)
Panchthar, Dolakha, Rupandehi

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition is one of the most significant public health problems in developing countries where resources are very limited. The common cause of malnutrition is a lack of access to the nutritious food, poor feeding practices, such as inadequate breastfeeding, offering the wrong foods and not ensuring that the child gets enough nutritious foods. Asparagus is one of the most commonly used herbs in traditional medicine due to the presence steroidal saponins and sapogenins in various parts of the plant. It is also used for enhancing milk production in freshly parturient and lactating woman. The Department of Ayurveda has initiated the distribution of Ayurvedic drug (Asparagus Powder) to promote breastfeeding among lactation mothers. In this context, this study will assess the effectiveness of the drug distribution program.

OBJECTIVE (S)

To assess the mothers and health service providers perspectives on the effectiveness of Asparagus Powder distribution program in Breastfeeding.

EXPECTED OUTPUT (S)

Mothers and health service provider’s views on the effectiveness of Asparagus Powder distribution program in Breastfeeding will be assessed. It is expected that the study findings will be useful for program managers to identify and address implementation challenges associated with the program. Similarly, service providers may utilize the results to improve the quality of service that they offer to lactating mothers and their children.