SAVE LIVES OF 600 MALNOURISHED CHILDREN IN UGANDA

FATHER INVOLVEMENT IN ELIMINATION OF MALNUTRITION

Introduction

Malnutrition among children under five remains a significant challenge in Uganda, particularly within low-income urban households. The "Saving Lives of 600 Malnourished Children" project was established to address this critical issue by providing free Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), tackling the root causes of malnutrition, and conducting community screenings and sensitizations. This quarter, the project achieved substantial milestones, including improved father involvement in malnutrition management and delivering holistic care to malnourished children.

Key Objectives for the Quarter

1. Screen and identify malnourished children for treatment.
2. Provide free RUTF and medical care to children with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM).
3. Conduct community sensitizations to increase awareness of malnutrition prevention and management.
4. Enhance caregiver engagement, focusing on fathers as key decision-makers in household nutrition.

Achievements

1. Community Screenings and Referrals

• Total Children Identified and Managed: 31
• Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM): 20
• Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM): 11

2. Free Nutrition Therapy and Medical Management

Children Treated:51

• SAM and MAM cases managed with RUTF therapy.
• Comprehensive medical interventions, including malaria treatment and routine immunizations, were provided to children in need.

3. Community Sensitizations and Father Engagement

Fathers have played a more active role in addressing malnutrition, overcoming the stigma surrounding their involvement. These men, often household breadwinners, face financial instability due to irregular income from small businesses or casual jobs, compounded by the high cost of living in urban areas.

• Community Sensitizations: CFU conducted sessions to emphasize the critical role of fathers in nutrition management.
• Empowered Fathers: Nutrition counseling equipped fathers to provide affordable, nutritious meals and seek timely care for their children.

Impact on Communities

1. Improved Father Participation: Fathers are now more confident and proactive in addressing malnutrition within their families.
2. Enhanced Community Awareness: Households are more informed about the signs, causes, and prevention of malnutrition and the importance of locally sourced nutritious foods.
3. Increased Access to Services: Routine screenings and effective referral pathways have significantly expanded life-saving care for malnourished children.

Success Story: Halim’s Journey – From SAM to Recovery

Halim, a 10-month-old boy, was identified during a community screening in a densely populated Kampala suburb. His Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) reading of 9.7 cm (red) confirmed Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM). His father, a single parent managing a small carpentry workshop, shared the challenges of balancing household needs with limited income and acknowledged gaps in his knowledge about immunizations, which led to missed appointments.

At the CFU Medical Center, Halim was diagnosed with SAM and malaria. He received free treatment, including malaria therapy and RUTF for nutritional rehabilitation. Over the weeks, Halim’s condition improved significantly:

• Weight gain: From 5.6 kg to 7.2 kg.
• MUAC improvement: From 9.7 cm (red) to 12.4 cm (yellow).
• Vaccination updates: Missing immunizations were administered free of charge.

Halim’s father participated in nutrition counseling sessions, learning to use locally available, affordable foods and exploring small income-generating activities to ensure sustainable household nutrition. Halim continues to attend follow-ups and is on track for full recovery.

Lessons Learned

1. Engaging Fathers is Key: Fathers play a crucial role in reducing malnutrition by improving household nutrition and providing resources for food.
2. Community Sensitization Works: Awareness campaigns have led to increased care-seeking behaviors and reduced stigma around malnutrition.
3. Integrated Care is Essential: Combining nutrition therapy with medical interventions, such as immunization, enhances overall health outcomes.

Conclusion

This quarter, the "Saving Lives of 600 Malnourished Children" project demonstrated significant progress in addressing malnutrition among children under five. Through effective community engagement, comprehensive medical and nutritional interventions, and strengthened caregiver participation, especially fathers, the project is not only saving lives but also fostering a long-term culture of better nutrition and care within underserved urban communities.