2005 (PDF) - International Studies And Program - Michigan State ...

GILL-CHIN LIM AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING DOCTORAL
DISSERTATION IN GLOBAL STUDIES
Maria Nnyepi
Dr. Maria Nnyepi of Botswana received her Ph.D. degree in Human Nutrition
from MSU in August, 2004 under the mentorship of Dr. Jenny Taylor Bond. Her
dissertation, Linking Child Survival Programs with Malnutrition Alleviation Strategies,
is based on a cross-sectional investigation of the existence and utilization of
linkages between child survival programs (CSP) and undernutriton alleviation
strategies for children (0-5 years) in government health clinics in Botswana. She
used two theoretical models, an interview schedule for caregivers, a questionnaire
for practitioners, children’s anthropometric measurements, clinic records, and focus
groups.
The significance of Dr. Nnyepi’s research, supported by The Compton Africa
Peace Fellowships for Dissertation Research by African Students, relates to defining
malnutrition as a form of “structural violence” (Galtung, 1970). It prevents individuals
from reaching their physical and cognitive potential and results from inequitable
distribution of food and health care. Her research focused on institutional and policy
issues that perpetuate this inequitable distribution and, therefore, erode peace and
well being.
The Botswana CSP are modeled after the World Health Organization and
United Nations Children’s Fund primary health care model. Dr. Nnyepi’s results,
which demonstrate a disconnect between the programs that are part of the CSPs,
have implications for similar programs in the developing world. Her
recommendations for the development and use of a simple nutrition and dietary
screening tool and for attention to communication between caregivers and health
providers are being shared with the President of Botswana, a requirement for
obtaining permission to complete this research. She has the opportunity to
implement changes within all CSP in the country as clinics are centrally regulated.
As a faculty member at the University of Botswana, she has the opportunity for
follow-up research.
As a result of her experiences as a Thoman, Compton Peace, and Margaret
McNamara Memorial Fund (World Bank) Fellow, graduate assistant in Women and
International Development, and participant in the African Leadership Programme,
Dr. Nnyepi has the potential to be a leader in global nutrition and dietetics. She is a
most worthy recipient of the Gill-Chin Lim Award for Outstanding Doctoral
Dissertation in Global Studies.
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