Malnutrition
1 out of every 14 children in Haiti will die before reaching the age of five. 1 in 10 is acutely malnourished and 1 in 5 is underweight. In rural areas these numbers are even higher.
We partner with Joel Jean from the Baie d’Orange Community Malnutrition Center. Joel is a registered nurse and has been treating malnutrition in his rural village for over 15 years. This community has an inpatient and outpatient malnutrition program that function in collaboration with the Haitian Health Department.
In-Patient
There is a small, 2 room in-patient center, equipped with a pharmacy, oxygen, and 24/7 nursing staff where the child can stay with a caregiver until they are either transferred to a larger in-patient center or well enough to be put on the out-patient program. The child receives malnutrition treatment, medication and food free of charge.
Out-Patient
This is where most of the work is done. If the child does not have other complications, and is able to eat, they are put on the out-patient program where they come once a week to the malnutrition clinic and are seen by a nurse and given their Plumpy Nut/Medika Mamba. Their weight is recorded each week to make sure they are gaining properly, and as long as they are gaining weight and coming to their weekly visits, they can finish their treatment at home. This is a family centered program, where a caregiver receives education and is a big part of their child’s recovery.
Follow-up/Prevention
To prevent relapse, the head nurse does follow-up with each child after they are finished with their treatment. They do monthly home visits to ensure the child remains in good health. They are also provided free basic medical care, and if they qualify, they can be part of the Family Assistance Program.
Education and early detection is key in preventing malnutrition, which is why education is weaved into every part of the program. Access to basic medical care and good prenatal care is also something that is offered to each family as a means to prevent malnutrition or relapse.
Feeding Program
Our feeding program is available to all malnourished and vulnerable children in our area. We have recently added this program and right now are able to provide a hot meal one day per week. Our hope is to increase to two days per week in the next month and continue to add days as our sponsorship of this programs grows.
How is Malnutrition Treated?
The World Health Organization and the Haitian Health Department have very clear protocols on treating malnutrition. Using a special milk based formula called F-75 and F-100 and a Ready-to-use Therapeutic Food called Plumpy Nut/ Medika Mamba, calories and protein are slowly and steadily introduced. After the child has lost edema and/or is stable, the amount of therapeutic food is increased until the goal weight is reached. In addition the child is treated for infection, parasites and other complications if necessary. Read more about the Who Guidelines for treating malnutrition here.