Feed 30 malnourished young children in Kenyan slum

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”