Improving maternal and child health (MCH) including addressing malnutrition is crucial in the remote Son La province of Vietnam, where 34% of children are reported as stunted. Community educators are instrumental in raising awareness of best practices in MCH. They travel between villages conducting educational sessions that combine knowledge on maternal and child health and nutrition with practical, hands-on meal preparation for children. For community educators to perform their role effectively, they need sufficient knowledge and confidence in the subjects they teach. Knowledgeable educators improve community trust in health services.

In August 2024, two training sessions were held for community educators on “Nutrition in the First 1,000 Days” in a collaboration between the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) of Son La province and HealthBridge. In Tong Co and Chieng Bom communes, 64 community educators participated in training on nutrition covering essential topics such as breastfeeding, complementary feeding and proper child measurement techniques. The training featured interactive sessions such as food demonstrations to engage participants on how to make Cháo (a nutritious porridge made from local ingredients).

The focus of the training was nutrition during the first 1,000 days, which refers to the critical period from conception to a child’s second birthday that influences lifelong health. Proper nutrition is needed during this time to feed a child’s rapid development. Therefore, it's essential that village health workers and community educators are skilled in guiding mothers and caregivers on the importance of proper nutrition during this pivotal period.

Participants appreciated the blend of theoretical and practical learning, one attendee noting that the training was “practical and close to community conditions.” Pre and post testing showed that participants’ knowledge of MCH and nutrition improved after the training with the average score increasing from 61% to 87%. The improved knowledge of community educators will translate to benefits in the community, where people learn about MCH and nutrition at regular community educator-led sessions.

Mr. Bun, a Village Health Worker from Tong Co commune, actively participated in the sessions, asking questions and contributing to discussions. He recognized the issue of improper infant and young child feeding practices in his community, mentioning that “some follow inappropriate practices, like beginning complementary feeding at 4 months.” Reflecting on the training, Mr. Bun expressed his satisfaction, stating,

Participants also suggested additional topics they would like to explore further. HealthBridge will share these suggestions with the CDC Son La to incorporate them into future learning sessions to support community educators in their role of improving MCH and nutrition outcomes in remote communities.