MODULE INTRODUCTION

1 LETTER OF WELCOME

Dear Colleagues
Welcome to this module called Public Health Nutrition: Policy and
Programming. By the time you reach this module, you will have already
covered at least two other modules. Hopefully you will therefore be quite
familiar with the process of distance learning.

Nutrition is improving for many people in the world, but for others, not nearly
fast enough. At the International Conference on Nutrition in 1992, all
governments endorsed the goal of the World Summit for Children of 1990,
which called for halving the 1990 underweight prevalence by the year 2000.
Failing to achieve this goal, countries reconfirmed their commitment towards
ending poverty and hunger (as Goal number 1) by 2015 and declared the
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Some countries have made
significant progress whilst others are falling behind on all of the 8 MDGs. The
experiences of the factors that led to improved nutrition in some countries and
how it was achieved should be closely examined. If appropriate, their
strategies should be applied to manage and make programmes more effective
in countries where many children are still malnourished.

In most countries, there is no shortage of policies on nutrition and its related

areas, but very few people are aware of all of them. The most critical issue is
that implementing these policies requires training. The challenges are to build
capacity at all levels, and to build a network of people who understand and
internalize the link between poverty and malnutrition. Such people should be
working in synergy, if not working together.

This module is designed to guide you through different countries’ experiences

in nutrition programmes and policies. We will try and look critically at the
various aspects of programming and the relationship between the success of
programmes and related policies. In addition we will also examine the socio-
political and technical factors that contribute to successful nutrition
programmes.

There are two assignments for this module which you will find in section 3.3 of
the Module Introduction. Read the assignments carefully and develop a
workplan before going too much further. Remember that developing your
assignment while you study is a very effective way to study actively. You will
find a template for a work plan in section 4 of the Module Introduction. There is
also and evaluation sheet at the end of the module. Please don’t forget to tell
us how you experienced the Module and where it could be improved.

SOPH, UWC: Public Health Nutrition: Policy and Programming – Module Introduction i
We hope that you find the module interesting, academically stimulating and
above all useful in your work. Enjoy your studies!

Ernie Kunneke, Module Convenor

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2 INFORMATION ABOUT THE MODULE

2.1 Module aims and rationale

Although in many countries, there are adequate policies on nutrition, these policies are
not sufficiently well-known or practitioners are ill-equipped to implement them
effectively. Implementing policies often requires training. The challenge is to build
capacity at all levels and to build a network of people who understand and internalize
the link between poverty and malnutriiotn. In addition, those in the field, for example
health and social welfare and development, need to work together in a more integrated
way.

The aim of this module is to guide you through the experience of different countries’ in
implementing nutrition programmes and policies and to encourage you to study them
critically looking for lessons and good practices. In addition, you are invited to study the
relationship between successful programmes and their guiding policies as well as the
socio-political and technical factors that contribute to their success. In this way, it is
hoped that you will be equipped to apply your knowledge, understanding and skills and
to contribute to the improvement of nutrition policy implementation through integrated
programmes in your area

2.2 Module outline

This module consists of three Units and an Appendix A. These will assist you to
critically analyse nutrition policy and to identify, design and evaluate successful
nutrition programmes.

Unit 1 provides a general overview of the nutrition situation in the world as well as
an historical overview of nutrition programmes. It concludes by identifying success
factors in these programmes. Unit 2 provides a more detailed discussion of
selected socio-political factors which contribute to successful nutrition prorammes.
Unit 3 explores some of the technical factors which contribute to successful nutrition
programmes. In addition, both Unit 2 and 3 provide an introduction to a range of
skills and competencies that would be required to implement successful nutrition
programmes.

You are required to complete two assignments for this module. You will find them in
the Module Introduction (section 3.3). There is also an Appendix A (or additional
section) at the end of the Module Guide which provides a model answer for an
assignment, to give you support while you develop yours.

Most of the Study Sessions in each unit are based on core readings which you will
find in the Reader, and include tasks to assist you to make sense of, to explore and
look critically at the reasings. Where appropriate, feedback on these tasks is
provided so that you can check your ideas and evaluate your understanding as you
progress.

SOPH, UWC: Public Health Nutrition: Policy and Programming – Module Introduction iii
2.3 Learning outcomes

This module is intended to assist you in further developing the following skills and
knowledge in Public Health Nutrition leading to the following outcomes:

INTENDED PUBLIC HEALTH NUTRITION LEARNING OUTCOMES OF THIS

MODULE

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

 Critically assess the appropriateness of nutrition and related interventions

or programmes to address a given nutrition situation.
 Identify key factors contributing to success or failure of interventions or
programmes to address nutrition problems.
 Design an appropriate nutrition communication strategy for interventions or
programmes to address nutrition problems.
 Plan and implement appropriate interventions or programmes to address
nutrition problems.
 Monitor and evaluate interventions or programmes to address nutrition
problems.

Remember that these outcomes are taught through the sessions and assessed
in the assignments.

At the same time, the module provides opportunities to improve a number of

your academic learning skills which are integrated into the sessions.

INTENDED ACADEMIC LEARNING OUTCOMES OF THIS MODULE

By the end of this module, you are expected to better be able to:

Read academic texts. This includes:

 Scanning academic material for specific information.
 Using text structure to guide reading.
 Interpreting text conventions, e.g. quotations, references, bold and italic,
inverted commas.
 Analysing and extracting arguments, supporting reasons or evidence and
conclusions.

Read and develop visual texts. This includes:

 Reading, interpreting and drawing a variety of diagrams, e.g. flow diagrams,
tables, line graphs, pie charts, bar charts, mind maps, timelines, causative
chains or maps of causation.

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Demonstrate cognitive (thinking) skills. This includes:
 Classifying and organising ideas e.g. causes, effects, results.
 Comparing and contrasting ideas.
 Synthesising information from different sources and texts.
 Structuring an argument.
 Analysing information and draw conclusions.
 Solving problems i.e. analyse a problem, identify possible solutions, try out
solutions, evaluate etc.

Demonstrate conceptual skills. This includes:

 Identifying and formulating concepts, theories, assumptions, values,
perspectives, approaches, supporting reasons and evidence.

Demonstrate academic writing skills. This includes:

 Summarising texts. Making notes.
 Writing coherent explanations, reports and arguments.
 Referencing texts accurately.

Demonstrate learning skills. This includes:

 Use a range of general and language learning strategies to learn more
effectively e.g. vocabulary strategies, drafting texts.
 Use a range of general learning strategies to learn more effectively e.g.
discussing with colleagues, reading further, planning study time.

2.4 Module evaluation

At the end of this module, you will find a Module Evaluation Sheet. Please
complete it and return it to the School of Public Health with your completed
assignment. This feedback will assist us in revising the module, planning
future modules and providing students with appropriate support.

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3 ASSESSMENT

There is further information about the assessment in the SOPH Programme

Handbook. Please refer to it before submitting your assignment.

3.1 Information about assessment

Non-formal assessment is built into the module through various tasks that
encourage you to check your progress, to identify your own strengths and to
address any areas of weakness.

A result of at least 50% is required to pass each assignment.

For this module, all assignments must be typed and submitted by the due date.
It would be preferred if you can submit assignments by e-mail as this will
ensure rapid feedback and an early response to your queries.

SOPH Address to which assignments must be sent:

E-mail: soph-asn@[Link]

3.2 Draft assignments

Draft assignments may be sent up to two weeks before the submission date.
Allow a week for your lecturer to return it.

3.3 Assignments for Public Health Nutrition: Programming and Planning

Assignment 1
PROGRAMMATIC RESPONSES TO NUTRITION ISSUES AND PROBLEMS

In this module, we reviewed some of the factors related to programmatic

responses to nutrition problems.

ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS

Use the guidelines for successful nutrition programmes and apply them to a
specific nutrition problem in your district.

Describe and plan a nutrition programme (in detail) that you could implement in
your district to address a nutrition problem. Ensure that you follow the steps
outlined for programme planning and that you include all components of a
nutrition programme. Where appropriate please provide motivation for
selecting specific methods or actions.

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Remember that Tontisiron makes the important point that successful
programmes always start with an appreciation of the need to create a
comprehensive and integrated approach to tackling any health problem, but
that this is especially important in malnutrition.

Your assignment should not exceed 10 pages (single spacing) or 4 500 words.

Assignment 2
POLICY ANALYSIS

ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS

In this assignment, we would like you to apply the information you have
gathered so far to critically analyse any policy which could impact on the
nutrition status of children in South Africa or in in your district. The specific
policy of your choice should be attached as an appendix / addendum.

GUIDELINES FOR THE ASSIGNMENT

Any policy or programme analysis usually starts with a review of the specific
problem that a particular policy and/or programme is trying to address.

The next step would be to critically analyse the components of the policy in
order to identify the level at which the problem is being address, and which
particular aspect of the problem is being addressed by this component. In
addition, it may allow you to analyse the potential impact of such policy.

Thirdly one would try to identify possible alternatives or amendments to the

policy that might render each of the existing policies or programmes more or
less successful.

This assignment should be in the form of an essay and should not exceed four
pages (sing spacing) or 2 000 words.

3.4 Assessment criteria

The following assessment criteria will be used in marking the assignments.

Criterion Marks (Total: 100 marks)

Answers the question and is relevant to 30
the topic.
Provides sound arguments and 30
supporting evidence.
Expresses ideas clearly and succinctly, 10
using accurate vocabulary, grammar,
punctuation and spelling.
Has a concise, clear and interesting 10
introduction.

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Has concise and convincing conclusion. 10
Includes references in the text and a 10
reference list at the end.

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3.5 ASSIGNMENT COVER SHEET

An Assignment Cover Sheet needs to be attached to every assignment.

Please fill in all details clearly and stable this form to the front of your
assignment. Alternatively fax it as the first page of your assignment, or
develop a cover sheet like this one to e-mail with your assignment.

Full name: _______________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________

________________________________________________

Postal code: ________________________________________________

Student number:

Module name: Public Health Nutrition: Policy and Programming

Due date: ___________________

Assignment number: ____________

Assignment topic as stated in the Module Guide:

______________________________________________________________

Module Convenor: Rina Swart

If faxed, state the total number of pages sent, including this page: __________

Student’s comments to Convenor:

______________________________________________________________
_

______________________________________________________________
_

______________________________________________________________
_

__________________________________________

Office Use

Date Received: Assessment/Grade Convenor / Tutor Recorded &

Dispatched
Comments by

SOPH, UWC: Public Health Nutrition: Policy and Programming – Module Introduction ix
Convenor/Tutor

4 DEVELOPING A WORKPLAN

The table presents a week by week workplan timetable for a semester. Identify
the period you have to complete the Public Health Nutrition: Policy and
Programming module. You probably also have a second module running
concurrently. One way to manage two modules at the same time is to study
one module from Monday to Wednesday, and the other from Thursday to
Saturday. Educationally this is positive because the two modules should
complement each other.

This module is made up of three units, each of which consists of between three
and four study sessions. Each session is based upon a number of readings
listed at the beginning of the Study Session. A session may take several study
periods to complete e.g. up to six hours. You are expected to work
consistently and regularly through the sessions, but it is a good strategy to
prepare for the assignment while you work through them. Leave the week
before hand-in for finalizing the assignment.

You are encouraged to develop your own work plan in terms of your
commitments. Guidelines are provided in the SOPH: Academic Handbook.

Once you have worked out a plan, put a copy of it in an obvious place, e.g.
above your work table, and refer to it daily, adjusting it if you slip behind or race
ahead!

WORK PLAN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH NUTRITION: PROGRAMMING AND

PLANNING
WEEK DATE YOUR OWN WORK PLAN FOR YOUR OWN WORK PLAN
THIS MODULE FOR ANOTHER MODULE
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17 Assignment 1 due
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19
20 Assignment 2 due

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