Email this page
Print Friendly
Nutrition and Agriculture
Guiding the transition from emergency humanitarian aid to long-term development requires a comprehensive approach. That is why International Medical Corps (IMC) builds on the strong community ties it establishes with its primary health care network by incorporating community-building components such as nutrition and agriculture into many of its programs.
To address the short-term needs of populations in areas experiencing food shortages, drought, or famine, International Medical Corps provides therapeutic, supplementary, and community-based feeding programs for malnourished infants and children and pregnant and lactating mothers. Therapeutic and supplementary programs offer lifesaving treatment for the severely and moderately malnourished, often in hospital or clinic settings. While such programs are effective, IMC wanted to find a way to empower affected communities to join the fight against malnutrition, as well. To this end, IMC developed the innovative Community-Based Therapeutic Care (CTC) program, which gives people the tools they need to recognize signs of malnutrition before it becomes severe; seek treatment, via outpatient or home-based care whenever possible; and learn to address the causes of malnutrition, including hygiene, public health, and food security. To support these programs, IMC trains health care and outreach workers, supplies those in need with supplemental, take-home food rations or specially formulated energy-dense mineral/vitamin-enriched food, and provides follow-up medical care.
International Medical Corps implements a variety of programs to address nutritional needs over the long term, also. Staff and volunteers train locals in “permaculture”—or how to cultivate land efficiently and effectively, thereby increasing its productivity—irrigation, and livestock health improvement, among other areas. IMC plants demonstration gardens for communities, giving them the opportunity to see first-hand how nutrient-rich foods can be grown successfully, and distributes seed and fertilizer to families. In addition, IMC conducts community outreach and provides education on health, hygiene, and nutrition, aimed at increasing awareness of the relationship between a balanced diet and disease prevention and improving the overall health and nutritional status of communities in need.
Through its holistic approach to relief and development, International Medical Corps is able to address a wide range of basic needs—and help communities make changes that will last well into the future.
To address the short-term needs of populations in areas experiencing food shortages, drought, or famine, International Medical Corps provides therapeutic, supplementary, and community-based feeding programs for malnourished infants and children and pregnant and lactating mothers. Therapeutic and supplementary programs offer lifesaving treatment for the severely and moderately malnourished, often in hospital or clinic settings. While such programs are effective, IMC wanted to find a way to empower affected communities to join the fight against malnutrition, as well. To this end, IMC developed the innovative Community-Based Therapeutic Care (CTC) program, which gives people the tools they need to recognize signs of malnutrition before it becomes severe; seek treatment, via outpatient or home-based care whenever possible; and learn to address the causes of malnutrition, including hygiene, public health, and food security. To support these programs, IMC trains health care and outreach workers, supplies those in need with supplemental, take-home food rations or specially formulated energy-dense mineral/vitamin-enriched food, and provides follow-up medical care.
International Medical Corps implements a variety of programs to address nutritional needs over the long term, also. Staff and volunteers train locals in “permaculture”—or how to cultivate land efficiently and effectively, thereby increasing its productivity—irrigation, and livestock health improvement, among other areas. IMC plants demonstration gardens for communities, giving them the opportunity to see first-hand how nutrient-rich foods can be grown successfully, and distributes seed and fertilizer to families. In addition, IMC conducts community outreach and provides education on health, hygiene, and nutrition, aimed at increasing awareness of the relationship between a balanced diet and disease prevention and improving the overall health and nutritional status of communities in need.
Through its holistic approach to relief and development, International Medical Corps is able to address a wide range of basic needs—and help communities make changes that will last well into the future.
Sign up to receive IMC's monthly email updates or view our Archives.