Adjumani District inaugurated four nutrition centres in key health facilities, namely Maaji Health Centre III, Agojo Health Centre II, Bira Health Centre III, and Alere Health Centre II in a concerted effort to address the alarming cases of child malnutrition. The initiative, funded by the World Food Programme (WFP), and in collaboration with Action against Hunger (ACF), a non-governmental organization, aims to tackle the high prevalence of malnourished children within these health facilities.
The construction of these four centres, with a total cost of Shs192 million, is a crucial step in providing targeted nutrition services to combat malnutrition among the youth in Adjumani District. The decision to establish these centres was prompted by the substantial number of malnourished children recorded in these health facilities.
Mr. Stephen Aliga, a nutritionist and the district focal person, highlighted the gravity of the malnutrition situation, stating that 28 out of the 42 health centers in the district already provide nutrition services. He provided insights into the past admissions, revealing that in 2022, there were 1,409 admissions, and from January to July 2023, there were 524 admissions for children below the age of 5. Mr. Aliga pointed out that the stunting level, which was 25.6 percent in 2018, dropped to 16.3 percent in 2021 but increased to 18.6 percent in 2022 for Ugandan nationals and stood at 10 percent for refugees.
Moreover, Mr. Aliga emphasized the nutritional challenges faced by health facilities, especially concerning teenage mothers. The newly established nutrition centres are expected to play a pivotal role in offering counseling services and educational awareness programs tailored to the needs of young mothers.
At Alere Health Centre II, a 16-year-old mother, who preferred not to be named due to stigma, shared her struggles. She sought nutritional services at the facility because her child’s father disappeared, fearing arrest for defilement. The 16-year-old mother currently relies on her mother for support.
Mr. Robert Okuku, the head of programs at ACF, highlighted the organization’s focused efforts on addressing the growing refugee crisis through interventions in nutrition, food security, and livelihood. He emphasized the overarching goal of contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to zero hunger, good health, and promoting partnerships.
