Care for All: Build a Mobile Clinic for Rural Gulu

Early identification and timely intervention truly can transform lives. At our health facility, we recently witnessed the remarkable recovery of a young child, whose turnaround began when he was identified with signs of malnutrition during a routine immunization session. This powerful story underscores the critical importance of integrated health services, dedicated caregiver engagement, and effective nutritional rehabilitation.

The Situation Before

During a routine immunization outreach, a mother brought in her child, aged between five months and one year. A quick assessment immediately raised concerns: the child appeared underweight, withdrawn, and alarmingly uninterested in his surroundings. He showed poor interaction with peers and exhibited very limited physical activity. Upon further examination by the in-charge, the child’s Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) measured only 11 cm, a clear classification of moderately acutely malnourished. He also displayed clear signs of growth retardation, indicating a poor overall nutritional and developmental status. It was also noted that the mother had a history of absconding scheduled immunization visits, suggesting a lack of full understanding regarding the importance of consistent healthcare and nutritional support for her child.

What Was Done and the Process Involved

Upon diagnosis, our team immediately enrolled the child in a therapeutic feeding program. He was admitted for two weeks and provided with Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), with close and consistent monitoring of his nutritional progress.

Beyond the therapeutic feeding, we provided the mother with practical guidance and counseling on how to prepare fortified foods using locally available ingredients. Our nutritional education sessions emphasized the importance of balanced meals, frequent feeding, and continued breastfeeding.

Recognizing the mother's previous non-compliance, she also received personalized counseling to help her fully understand the critical role immunizations play in her child's growth and protection. Our Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) team actively encouraged and meticulously tracked her attendance at subsequent immunization sessions, fostering a supportive environment designed to rebuild trust and establish a routine for consistent healthcare.

Results Achieved, Positive Impact, and Conclusion

The results were truly inspiring. After just two weeks of therapeutic feeding and dedicated caregiver support, the child's MUAC significantly improved from 11 cm to 13 cm. We also observed noticeable and encouraging gains in his activity levels and social interaction.

Equally impactful was the transformation in the mother's behavior: she, who was previously non-compliant with immunization schedules, now consistently attends sessions. As a direct result, the child has received most of his vaccines as per schedule, putting him firmly on the path to better health and protection.

Links:

• website