Feed 30 malnourished young children in Kenyan slum

Introduction

Malnutrition still remains one of the most significant public health challenges, particularly among vulnerable populations. The consequences of malnutrition are profound, affecting not only physical health but also cognitive development and overall quality of life. In response to this pressing issue, Macheo, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the well-being of disadvantaged children, has implemented a comprehensive malnutrition intervention program.

This report aims at examining the various components of the intervention, including nutritional support, education, and community engagement, we aim to highlight the effectiveness and impact of these efforts on the target population.

Objectives

The primary objectives of Macheo’s malnutrition intervention program are to:

1. Reduce the prevalence of malnutrition among children.
2. Improve the overall health and nutritional status of malnourished children.
3. Educate parents and caregivers about proper nutrition and health practices.
4. Promote sustainable, community-based solutions to combat malnutrition.

Methodology

During the reporting period, the Malnourished intervention used a multifaceted approach to tackle malnutrition, involving the following key components:

Nutritional Support

• Supplementary Feeding Programs: Providing nutrient-rich meals to children identified as malnourished.

Health and Nutrition Education

• Workshops for Parents and Caregivers: We conducted regular educational sessions on balanced diets, hygiene, and preventive healthcare.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Data Collection and Analysis: Using data to track outcomes, identify trends, and measure the impact of the program.

Outcomes

We have achieved significant milestones:

• Improved Health Indicators: Children enrolled in the program show marked improvements in weight-for-age, height-for-age, and overall health status.
• Increased Knowledge and Awareness: Surveys indicate a substantial increase in nutrition knowledge among parents and caregivers.
• Enhanced Community Involvement: There is greater community participation in health and nutrition initiatives, contributing to the sustainability of the program.

Challenges

Despite the successes, the program has encountered several challenges:

• Resource Limitations: Limited funding and resources can hinder the expansion of the program.
• Cultural Barriers: Some traditional beliefs and practices regarding nutrition and health can be difficult to change.

Recommendations

To build on the successes and address the challenges, the following recommendations are proposed:

1. Expand Funding and Resources: Seek additional funding sources and partnerships to support program growth.
2. Cultural Sensitivity Training: Incorporate cultural sensitivity training for staff to better address traditional beliefs and practices.

Success Story

Felis is a two-year-old girl. Born the last of two siblings—two boys, ages 18 and 11—Felis had a challenging start to life. Born to an HIV-positive mother, Felis had struggles with proper nutrition in her earliest days. Agatha, Felis’ mom, received little nutrition care while she was heavy with Felis.

A casual labourer, Agatha found it hard to provide for her two children at the time, besides her pregnancy. As a result, little Felis came into this world severely malnourished and with a weak immunity that rendered her prone to many diseases. Through her neighbour, a former beneficiary of Macheo’s programs, Agatha came to know of Macheo. In a moment of intense vulnerability, Agatha took sickly little Felis to the offices of Macheo in her area in search of support.

Agatha put so much effort and resources into Felis’ health that she could not take care of her other children. Thus, little Felis was enrolled in the Malnourished Children program—a program that aims to improve children’s nutrition through the provision of nutritional information to caregivers, milk powder, and nutritionally fortified porridge flour. Little by little, Felis gained weight. Agatha, being reactive, was referred to an organisation that supported reactive patients, especially mothers, with food packages and empowered them with skill development.

Macheo’s nutritional support, coupled with Agatha’s involvement with her organization’s support, worked in unison to alleviate her food insecurity issue. Little Felis, previously unable to crawl like babies her age, is now an unbeatable runner in Agatha’s compound. Agatha, through the support of the empowerment program, started a day care in her two-roomed house. Since she is a mother and passionate about children, her daycare became the haven for working-class mothers who sought a safe place where their children would spend time growing while they worked their day jobs.

Outside of her compound, Agatha started a kitchen garden from where she obtained fresh vegetables, further strengthening food security for the family. Agatha and Felis are now a picture of good health and nourishment. Agatha is grateful for the transformative support that she received and is looking forward to what the future holds for her family.

Conclusion

Macheo’s comprehensive malnutrition intervention program has made significant strides in improving the health and well-being of children in targeted communities. By providing nutritional support, education, and fostering community engagement, the program has demonstrated its effectiveness in combating malnutrition. Continued efforts, along with addressing identified challenges, will ensure the sustained success and expansion of this vital initiative. 

Introduction:

Macheo's Malnourished Children Program is a crucial initiative aimed at addressing the nutritional needs of vulnerable children in our community. Recently, we had the privilege of hosting two volunteers from the Green Food Foundation to conduct a comprehensive survey of our intervention methods. This report highlights the key findings and insights gathered during their visit.

Field Visits:

As part of the survey, the volunteers (photo) accompanied our team on field visits to meet with the families enrolled in the program. During these visits, families shared inspiring success stories about the positive impact of the intervention on their children's health and well-being. Witnessing firsthand the transformational outcomes reaffirmed the importance of our work in combating malnutrition.

Hospital Visits:

Additionally, the volunteers visited hospitals where Macheo refers malnourished children for medical care and treatment. They had the opportunity to interact with healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, to gain insights into the medical aspects of our intervention. These interactions provided valuable perspectives on the holistic approach required to address the complex needs of malnourished children.

Insights and Recommendations:

Through discussions with healthcare providers and observations in the field, the volunteers gained valuable insights into the strengths and areas for improvement of our Malnourished Children Program.

Recommendations:

1. Utilization of RUTF Paste: The volunteers advised us to explore obtaining Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) paste from organizations like UNICEF. RUTF paste is a highly nutritious, energy-dense food that is specifically designed for the treatment of severe acute malnutrition. Its quick absorption and easy administration make it a crucial component in the rapid recovery of children with severe malnutrition, significantly reducing mortality rates and long-term health complications.

2. Promotion of Kitchen Gardens: The volunteers recommended advising parents to start kitchen gardens as a sustainable solution to improve access to nutritious food. Kitchen gardens empower families to grow their own fruits and vegetables, ensuring a constant supply of fresh, nutrient-rich produce. Beyond addressing immediate nutritional needs, kitchen gardens also promote food security, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience within communities.

3. Measurement of MUAC in Schools: In schools and during school feeding programs, the volunteers suggested implementing the measurement of Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) as a screening tool for malnutrition. MUAC measurement is a simple and effective method for identifying children at risk of malnutrition, enabling early intervention and targeted support to prevent further deterioration in nutritional status.

4. Distribution of MUAC Tapes to Parents: Lastly, the volunteers recommended providing parents with MUAC tapes upon exit from the program. Equipped with MUAC tapes, parents can serve as peer community leaders, actively monitoring their children's nutritional status and advocating for early intervention among other families in the community. This grassroots approach fosters community engagement, empowers parents, and strengthens the sustainability of our intervention efforts.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the survey conducted by the volunteers from the Green Food Foundation reaffirmed the importance and effectiveness of Macheo's Malnourished Children Intervention. Their visit provided valuable insights, success stories, and recommendations that will guide us in further improving and expanding our intervention efforts. We remain committed to our mission of ensuring every child has access to nutritious food and the opportunity to thrive.

Success Story

John* is a baby boy born last in a family of four and his mother never believed one day that John would stand on his feet and walk. He was born underweight since his mother had numerous challenges of nutritional intake during pregnancy.

John was identified by the Macheo Social Worker, while living in Kambi Mawe with his mother, while he was barely 9 months of age. During this time John was severely malnourished and he had already suffered multiple illnesses related to malnutrition. He was referred to different interventions, health and nutrition given the priority. Upon nutritional assessment John was 16 lbs at one year, Mid upper circumference of less than 4.3", irritable and weak. He was diagnosed with protein energy malnutrition (severe) with Pneumonia and Tuberculosis being the underlying conditions that led to poor nutrient absorption, which led to Rickets.

When the Macheo nutritionist visited John, his mother was full of joy since she hoped this could be the turning point and with great knowledge and understanding on malnutrition, John was introduced to multiple nutrition interventions, to help him walk and catch up with other children of his age. At this time his mother was introduced to the kitchen gardening concept, and prescribed therapeutic foods, including the provision of fortified blended flour, rich in calories, vitamins and minerals. Since he had only achieved a sitting milestone, with a left foot ankle inversion that needed urgent intervention, he was taken to a specialist for a medical review.

Social economic challenges contributed so much to the deterioration of his health and nutrition status, since the mother could not afford the cost of the recommended nutritional supplements and treatment but through nutritional support done by Macheo, it has tremendously improved the general health and nutritional status of John, Macheo however extended their support by strengthening the household and purchasing AFOs to enable straightening of his legs.

John is a true living testimony and a beacon of hope among many, as today at eigthteen months, is able to stand and play with other children in the family. His mother is always smiling when watering her garden and believed that   Macheo changed her life by restoring the dignity of her baby boy. “God bless Macheo forever she said”