Improving the utilization of lifesaving services for early detection, referral and timely treatment of acutely malnourished children and pregnant and lactating women, as well as improving health practices around birth and childcare, amongst the vulnerable population of Afghanistan.
In February 2022 the Urban Afghanistan SMART survey conducted in Kabul amongst children 6-59 months, showed a Global Acute Malnutrition rate (GAM) of 4.4%, with 1% children with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM). Amongst pregnant and lactating women, 3.4% were severely malnourished, and 12.1% acutely malnourished. Infant feeding practices are poor. Afghanistan has high maternal and infant morbidity and mortality rates and health care services are insufficient to meet the need.
Operation Mercy provides health services including general outpatient department (OPD), ante/post natal care (ANC/PNC), Severe Acute Malnutrition services, and vaccination. Our health education programs prevent malnutrition through improved feeding practices, improved health practices around birth and early childcare, improved maternal and infant health, and follow up of malnourished children between health facilities and the community.
Through this program 437 children with Severe Acute Malnutrition will be helped through supplemental nutrition. Mortality and morbidity will decrease in the community through our health clinics providing quality general OPD, ANC/PNC, and vaccination services. Also through this project 1,400 female Community Promoters will be trained to provide 14,100 households with optimal nutritional behavior change messaging and follow-up.
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