COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in severe disruption of essential RMNCH+A and non-essential services. However, after the initial focus on containment of the pandemic, the state is desirous of ensuring early resumption of RMNCH+A services.

Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI) is committed to support its intervention states including Bihar for ensuring the quality of HBYC training. HBYC training of a batch of ASHAs, ASHA facilitators and ANMs was conducted in district Katihar in Bihar. On 9th November, 2020, NIPI team visited the training to assess the quality of training at Community Health Center, Barari. The assessment was carried out using Quality Assessment Checklist for HBYC training developed by NIPI. The data from assessment was further entered in the District Health Information Software (DHIS) Mobile Application.

Each of the trainees was provided with a training kit containing training module, job aids and a Mother and Child Protection card. For demonstration purposes, all essential supplies like IFA syrup, ORS, various contraceptives, Early Childhood Development kit consisting of toys, mirror, vegetables and, staples for various food groups under complementary food were available for the relevant sessions.

Trainers described and discussed the important aspects of breastfeeding like exclusive breastfeeding and initiation of complementary feeding with training participants. Along with classroom teaching, role play on counselling of mothers and demonstration on the preparation of complementary food in regards to quantity, quality and hygiene maintenance were done.

COVID-19 appropriate behaviours (CAB) like use of masks and hand sanitizers were being meticulously followed during the training.

The NIPI team shared training feedback including key findings from assessment with the District Program Manager and Civil Surgeon upon their return to the district headquarters.

A total of 50 frontline workers were trained during this training. These health functionaries are expected to conduct HBYC visits in their designated areas.

Home Based Care of Young Child (HBYC) program is designed to support home-based services on nutrition and childhood development. The major objectives of HBYC are to reduce the child death and illnesses along with improvement of nutritional status of young children and ensuring growth & development of young children. As part of HBYC initiative, additional 5 visits are planned along with existing Home Based Newborn Care (HBNC) visit.

To build capacity of frontline workers on Home Based Care of Young Child (HBYC) program, an extensive 5-day training is conducted where all important components of the home visits are discussed through classroom teaching, demonstration and group work along with assessment. After completion of the training, the ASHAs are supposed to undertake quarterly home visits from 3rd to 15th month of age of the child.