Yola, Nigeria — A pioneering program in Adamawa State, Nigeria, has significantly curtailed child mortality rates through the early detection and treatment of malnutrition, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The state government, in collaboration with the WHO and the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), has initiated a routine outreach program that has been instrumental in identifying and treating malnutrition in children.
The Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (2023–2024) indicated a concerning situation, with 40% of children under five suffering from stunting and 8% experiencing wasting.
An estimated 2 million children annually face severe acute malnutrition, with northern regions, including Adamawa State, bearing the brunt of this crisis.
The Adamawa State Government has been enhancing integrated outreach services that encompass nutrition screening, immunization, and referrals for underserved populations.
A notable success story is that of Aisha Ibrahim, whose 18-month-old son, Dauda, was diagnosed with malnutrition during a routine outreach visit. After receiving treatment and follow-up care, Dauda’s condition improved, regaining strength and returning to normal activities.
The program’s effectiveness is attributed to its early detection and intervention strategy, utilizing a mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) tape to swiftly identify malnourished children and refer them for treatment before complications arise. This proactive approach has demonstrated its efficacy in enhancing survival and recovery rates for malnourished children.
The Adamawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ADSPHDA) has played a pivotal role in the program’s success by establishing 136 outpatient therapeutic malnutrition treatment centers across the state, ensuring children have access to life-saving treatments. From January to July, 22,409 children received treatments for severe acute malnutrition, with 18,351 cases fully cured.
The program’s impact extends beyond immediate treatment, promoting community-based primary health care and empowering local health workers to identify and address health issues within their communities. This approach is vital in reaching underserved populations where healthcare access is limited.
The success of the Adamawa State program has garnered attention from health officials and the WHO, who have commended the state’s efforts and advocated for the expansion of similar initiatives nationwide.
As Nigeria grapples with the challenge of malnutrition, the Adamawa State program stands as a testament to the effectiveness of early detection and intervention, saving lives and improving health outcomes for children in the state.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: World Health Organization
