12 Mar 2019

Total malnutrition rate for the South East District stands at 2.1 per cent  reflecting a 0.6 per cent decrease compared to the previous year. 

A district development committee report states that generally, the district has improved on its nutritional status as it is below the national target of 3.7 per cent. 

“The decrease may be attributed to ongoing health education on the importance of infant and young child feeding practices and counseling of caregivers in health facilities,” the report stated. 

  The South East District Health Management Team has embarked  on imparting health education at health facilities to deal with issues of malnutrition among children. 

Availability of food commodities and strengthening collaborative efforts on management of underweights also contributed positively to the reduction of malnutrition, the report says.

The report says all eligible children and other vulnerable groups are receiving complete rations of Tsabana, Malutu, beans and cooking oil, the supply of which has been very satisfactory. 

It however says there are still underweight cases recorded at all health facilities. 

The report says interventions such as strengthening the involvement of caregivers, their education and counselling as well as community involvement in the infant and young child feeding practices are being implemented. 

Other interventions are follow ups of all underweight children and their referrals for further assessment for social and medical services. 

The DHMT says it will continue with growth monitoring and promotion activities to improve the health status of under-five children. ENDS