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A short term consultant to study on factors influencing mothers and family members to use
BMS products and how it affects health, nutrition behaviour, and economics.
Context:
Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life is recognized by the World Health
Organization, UNICEF, and as well as Lao PDR (Ministry of Health) as the single most effective and
important intervention to prevent infant and young child mortality and for improving the growth
and development of children as well. With compelling evidence on the important of
breastfeeding and complementary feeding in child survival, growth and development,
international nutrition and public heath communities have been devoting increased attention to
infant and young child feeding (IYCF) with a focus on “the first 1000 days”. Breastfeeding is now
widely recognized as the prevention with potentially the single largest impact on child mortality
rates, while improvements in complementary feeding have been found to be most effective in
improving child growth, and thereby, together with maternal nutrition interventions, in
contributing to reductions in stunting.
CARE Lao PDR has extensive experience in nutrition through their projects in maternal and child
health, family planning, food security and rural development. CARE is in partnership with CCL,
RDA and LOPA delivering SUPA (EU funded) project in Phongsaly, where CCL led an informative
IYCM research on beliefs and practices related to IYCF among Yao and Akha ethnic groups. CARE
also done similar research in Sekong Province where CARE also implements projects in districts
with Alak, Tarieng, Katu and Nge/Krieng ethnic groups, and where a new 1000 Days Nutrition
Project is being prepared for implementation in partnership with MOH covering both
Phongsaly and Sekong provinces (funded by the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign Affairs). More
than that CARE Lao also is in one more partnership project with Save the Children, CCL, Child
Fund delivering SCALING Project (EU Funding),
Currently, CARE Lao PDR plans to strengthen the capacity of Lao Civil Society Organizations and
Provincial Nutrition Committees (PNCs) to implement Prime Ministerial 472 on Control the of
Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes by providing concrete evidence through a Research Study on
“factors influencing mothers and family members to use BMS products and how it affects
health, nutrition behaviour, and economics” in Luang Namtha Province.
Objectives of the Study:
The objective of the study will be to provide in-depth analysis of factors influencing mothers and
caregivers of child under 2 years old to use BMS products and how it affects health, nutrition
behavior, and economics in Luang Namtha Province. More precisely, this will be to:
- Assess the main barriers and constraints for mothers and caregivers regarding exclusive
breastfeeding and breastfeeding practices;
- Assess the perception of mothers and care givers about the impact of Breastmilk Substitutes
(BMS) products; regarding to children health, nutrition behavior and economic in the families
as well;
- Assess the social and cultural beliefs, attitudes, practices and knowledge that influence the
increasing of BMS Products in LNT province;
- Explore gender roles regarding breast milk feeding (e.g. How are decisions made regarding
the need to exclusively breast feed up to 6 months or more?).
- Elements that need to be in place in order to have an enabling environment for development
of effective Breastfeeding practices, including quality maternal and child health care services,
information and available of healthy food, etc
Methodology:
- The study will be conducted by national consultant/or National Nutrition Centre team
with the support of a translator/interpreter (depending on the villages and ethnic groups
targeted).
- The study will be conducted in up to 6 villages in Namtha, Sing and Long (Luang Namtha).
The selection of villages will be done in coordination with the CARE LNT team and
Provincial of Health (PoH).
- The consultant will propose the final methodology. However, the main approach used
should include collection of qualitative data through Focus Group Discussions with
different target groups (village leaders, health volunteers, mothers, fathers, elders,
young people, etc.) and through individual interviews, especially with women with
children under 2 years old, pregnant women and caregivers. Time dedicated for
observation in the villages will be sufficient to allow in-depth analysis of behavior for
using BMS products and breastfeeding practices among families;
- The consultant need to work very closely with NNC to implementing the research (invite
NNC to be part of the filed data collection);
- Preparing the PowerPoint to present during the consultation workshop.
Required expertise and Selection Criteria
- At least 5 years of experience on food security and nutrition programming in Lao PDR
especially Breastfeeding;
- Demonstrated successful experience in conducting analysis of behavior change of mothers
term of breastfeeding and BMS products;
- Relevant technical experience (e.g. 1000 days of life, gender mainstreaming, ethnicity,
Social Behavior Change and Communication, rural livelihoods, institutional development,
etc.).
- Ability to work autonomously, and demonstrated skills in leading a research project
- Good written and spoken English and Lao language skills.
Timeframe
Complete the field and all assignment by end of Last Week of March and submit final report by
Second week of May 29, 2020.
APPLICATION SUBMISSION
- Brief description of the methodology (incl. potential stages), tools and guiding questions,
time frame and total of cost expenses;
- Team composition and CV of key researcher(s).
Qualified candidates should submit a CV and a letter of application to Lao.Contracts@careint.org
before the deadline: 30 April 2020
CARE is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce;That Women, ethnic minorities and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply;
CARE Laos has zero tolerance for sexual misconduct within or external to the organization and
imbed child protection in all they do; and
As well as pre-employment checks, CARE Laos will use the recruitment and reference process to
ensure potential new staff understand and are aligned with these expectations.