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Design of a Rights-Based Protocol to Reduce Malnutrition in Children Under Five Years in Hormozgan Province
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Raha Rivaz1   , Mehran Zareian2 , Fatemeh EhsaniTabar2 , Seyyed Reza Sobhani *3  |
1- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
2- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
3- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. |
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Abstract: (386 Views) |
Background and Aim: Childhood malnutrition represents a major public health challenge with profound physical, cognitive, social and economic consequences. In Hormozgan Province - one of Iran's deprived regions - the prevalence of severe stunting and underweight among children under five years exceeds the national average. This study aimed to design and develop a locally adapted, rights-based protocol to reduce the incidence of severe malnutrition in children aged 6 months to 5 years.
Methods: This study employed a participatory approach combined with situational analysis. Following a needs assessment, stakeholder analysis was conducted to evaluate stakeholders' power and willingness to engage in program design and implementation. Overall and specific objectives were formulated using the SMART criteria. Evidence-based strategies were developed through scientific literature review and stakeholder scoring/ prioritization. For each strategy, an operational table, Gantt chart timeline, cost estimation and evaluation plan were prepared.
Ethical Considerations: In the present research, the ethical aspects of the library study, including the authenticity of the texts, honesty and integrity, have been observed.
Results: Domestic and international studies demonstrate that nutritional supplementation combined with education and food support (e.g., food baskets and nutrition vouchers) improves anthropometric indices and reduces mortality risk in children. Within this protocol, a targeted food basket and therapeutic supplements were designed for the three lowest economic deciles in the province. Practical mechanisms for beneficiary identification, implementation, community education and effectiveness monitoring were also developed.
Conclusion: Through participatory design with stakeholders, grounded in scientific evidence and child rights principles, this protocol offers a feasible and scalable model for reducing malnutrition in deprived areas of Iran. Sustained financial support, continuous training and rigorous performance monitoring are essential for the success and national scalability of similar programs. |
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| Keywords: Civil Responsibility, Right to Healthy Nutrition, Food Security, Iranian Laws |
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Full-Text [PDF 517 kb]
(85 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Original Article |
Received: 2025/11/15 | Accepted: 2026/01/20 | Published: 2026/02/20
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