The importance of nutrition education in Papua New Guinea - Improving the nutritional health of women and children in Papua New Guinea Case Study Student Activities Teacher's Notes Overview The Australian Government's overseas aid program to Papua New Guinea includes programs that address health concerns. One such program is The Women's and Children's Health Project, which aims to contribute to major improvements in the health of women and children, including the reduction of nutrition related disorders. Level Upper secondary Links with nationally developed statements and profiles Note: This case study has been written with particular attention to the VCE Health and Human Development Curriculum, Unit 4, An international perspective on development and health. The case study is also useful for the following learning areas: Health and personal development Health of individuals and populations (Concept strand) Studies of Society and Environment Place and space, resources (Concept Strands) Investigation, communication and participation (Process Strand) Objectives Students will: Investigate major nutrition related disorders in Papua New Guinea; Discuss the interrelationship between nutritional health and one's overall health and productivity; Gain an understanding of developing programs that support the individual communities; Examine the importance of educating women and health workers including Child and Maternal Health clinic workers in regard to nutrition; Analyse the consequences of empowering health workers and women with nutritional knowledge. Preparation Copies of case study (one per student) Butchers paper and marker pens Poster paper Computer with software for a data show, word processing and graphing Procedure The teacher will be the facilitator for student activities. Students will have the opportunity to work individually, in pairs, in small groups and as whole class. The teacher will introduce nutrition related concerns and focus on nutrition related concerns affecting the women and children of PNG. Students will explore the importance of educating health workers in regard to nutrition related disorders and students will learn how collaboration between various groups is important in overcoming nutrition related issues. Students will explore the importance of empowering women with nutritional knowledge and how childhood health can impact on health in adulthood. Students will also predict the consequences of the health of women and children. Reflective activities will reinforce what students have learned about themselves, other people and related health issues. Resources Map of Papua New Guinea can be found at: http://www.lonelyplanet.com.au/dest/aust/png.htm Another map of can be located at http://www.emulateme.com/papuanew.htm as well as additional information on its economy, geography and defense. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare - Information on dietary related diseases can be found at this following web site http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/health.html The World Health Organisation http://www.who.int/nut/ provides information on nutritional health in developing countries. The following resources have information on dietary related diseases: Getley Kuen A., VCE Health and Human Development Units 3 & 4. Oxford University Press. Australia. 2000. p. 156 - 163 Gunstone, H., Maddock, B., Matthews, N., and Roy, E., Journey Throught Health and Human Development Units 3 & 4. Longman. Australia. 1999. Chapter 3 Wahlqvist, M (editor) Food and Nutrtion (4th edn) Allen & Unwen. Australia. 1997 * Further information and resources can be obtained from the Professional Development Providers. Top © Commonwealth of Australia