Solving Nutrition Challenges in Nepal

First place photo contest winner SPH faculty member Kirk Dearden writes about his time as project director for one of the largest nutrition projects in the developing world in “Postcard from…Nepal.”

In spite of the fact that Nepal is only a sixtieth the size of the US, it has almost 50 peaks higher than Mt. McKinley (the tallest mountain in the US). Surprisingly, about a third of Nepal is only slightly above sea level. Nepal’s large variation in altitude brings with it 100 ethnic groups and a similar number of languages. Buddha was born in Nepal. In addition, Hinduism and Islam exert a major influence.

This girl lives in the district of Sankhuwasabha, not far from Kangchenjunga, the third highest mountain on earth. I met her and her family while traveling with my 20-year old son in 2013. At the time, in addition to working at BU’s School of Public Health, I was project director for one of the largest nutrition projects in the developing world. Ensuring that children are well-nourished is complicated because nutrition isn’t just about diet but also about making sure mothers are able to grow the right kinds of foods and space their births, children benefit from early childhood stimulation, and the environment is clean. In other words, solving everyday health challenges requires a holistic approach. As an undergrad at BU, I benefited from a diversity of classes and now encourage my students to learn as much as possible from a range of disciplines. It’s what helps us become better world citizens.

Global Programs seeks postcards from any long- or short-term overseas members of the BU community. Please send postcards to milleral@bu.edu.