Did you know that in Bangladesh, many people believe pregnant women should eat less?
There's a misconception out there that a woman who is pregnant should either stay the same weight or even lose weight. Why? Because it will result in a smaller baby, which means an easier and safer birth for the mother.
Of course, this is scientifically untrue.
Such a practice actually increases the risk to the mother and creates lifelong health issues for the baby who is being malnourished in the womb. But you can see the logic in it. Without access to health education, you and I might very well believe the same thing. This is one of many simple but deadly misunderstandings about health, nutrition, and hygiene that contribute to people's poverty in Bangladesh, and around the world.
According to Food for the Hungry (FH) Bangladesh, this lack of knowledge has proved a consistent and difficult barrier to development in the communities of Mymensingh. If you or your children are sick all the time, it's hard to think about work, school, community, or the future.
Through kids clubs and adult Savings and Loans Groups, however, FH has made significant inroads. While you can't change people's beliefs overnight, by walking in relationship with a community over time, change does happen.
Lamia's family is a great example. When FH staff first met the family, they didn't have an indoor toilet, wash their hands regularly, take deworming medicine, or prioritize nutritious food. And they didn't know that not doing these things was making them sick. Through Child Sponsorship and a Savings and Loans Group, however, all this began to change. In the context of group learning with their peers, Lamia and her parents began to see the benefits of making some changes.
By accessing the combined funds of their Savings group, Lamia's parents (along with their neighbours) installed toilets in their homes, as well as tube-wells. Sanitation and clean water has made a huge difference in their lives. They started seeing the benefits of regularly washing their hands and taking de-working medication twice a year. Lamia's mother, now the health leader for her Savings group, prioritizes nutrition when she cooks for the family. Hardly sick anymore, this family is not going back to the way things used to be!
FH Bangladesh has seen the health of the entire community improve, including that of pregnant mothers, as they apply their new knowledge and pro-actively take control of their health.
Of course, this is scientifically untrue.
Such a practice actually increases the risk to the mother and creates lifelong health issues for the baby who is being malnourished in the womb. But you can see the logic in it. Without access to health education, you and I might very well believe the same thing. This is one of many simple but deadly misunderstandings about health, nutrition, and hygiene that contribute to people's poverty in Bangladesh, and around the world.
According to Food for the Hungry (FH) Bangladesh, this lack of knowledge has proved a consistent and difficult barrier to development in the communities of Mymensingh. If you or your children are sick all the time, it's hard to think about work, school, community, or the future.
Through kids clubs and adult Savings and Loans Groups, however, FH has made significant inroads. While you can't change people's beliefs overnight, by walking in relationship with a community over time, change does happen.
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| LAMIA WASHING HER HANDS WITH SOAP |
By accessing the combined funds of their Savings group, Lamia's parents (along with their neighbours) installed toilets in their homes, as well as tube-wells. Sanitation and clean water has made a huge difference in their lives. They started seeing the benefits of regularly washing their hands and taking de-working medication twice a year. Lamia's mother, now the health leader for her Savings group, prioritizes nutrition when she cooks for the family. Hardly sick anymore, this family is not going back to the way things used to be!
FH Bangladesh has seen the health of the entire community improve, including that of pregnant mothers, as they apply their new knowledge and pro-actively take control of their health.
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| LAMIA GIVES HER LITTLE SISTER A "MANICURE" |
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| LAMIA BRINGS HER MOM CLEAN WATER FOR COOKING |
