Grace Kokureta, a resident of Rwakijuma village in Isingiro District, knows the devastating effects of malnutrition all too well. She nearly lost her six months granddaughter, who was severely malnourished. The baby, appearing no older than three months, was on the brink of death.
“They weren’t feeding her properly or taking care of her,” Kokureta said, recalling how the baby’s young parents, one still pursuing university studies, left the child in her care. Desperate, Kokureta rushed the baby to Kikagate Health Center III, where medical officers diagnosed severe acute malnutrition—a life-threatening condition characterized by extreme wasting or edema that weakens the immune system and leaves children vulnerable to infections.
The health center referred the child to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital for treatment, which included therapeutic foods and medical care.
Today, the once frail baby is a healthy and lively two-year-old, playing joyfully under her grandmother’s watchful eye. “The hospital taught me that feeding better foods was the main medicine,” Kokureta shared.
Isingiro District ‘a food basket’ is Battling Malnutrition
Isingiro District, known as the “food basket” of the region, faces an ongoing battle with malnutrition, particularly stunting and wasting among children. Despite a nationwide decline in childhood wasting, with rates dropping from 4% in 2016 to 2.9% in 2023, Isingiro remains a hotspot.
District health records reveal that between January and October 2023, 1,432 cases of severe acute malnutrition were reported, averaging 143 cases per month. In October alone, cases surged to 289. Nationally, three in every ten children in Isingiro suffer from some form of malnutrition, making the district the leading contributor to malnutrition in the Ankole region.
To combat this crisis, local authorities, supported by UNICEF and UKAID, have launched initiatives aimed at improving child nutrition. A key strategy involves forming community-based groups of mothers and caregivers to identify early signs of malnutrition and promote nutritious meal preparation using locally available foods.
“We meet at least once a month to learn and share knowledge,” explained Doreec Kabugho, a clinical officer and acting in charge at Kikagate Health Center III. Each household has been provided with a Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) tape to monitor children’s growth. Families measure their children’s arms regularly, and any concerning results—yellow or red indicators on the tape—prompt immediate action, such as seeking medical advice.
The health center also organizes food cooking demonstrations and maintains a demonstration garden to teach caregivers how to grow and prepare nutrient-rich meals at home.
Dalton Babukiika, a senior nutritionist in the district, noted that while Isingiro is abundant in food, families often sell nutritious produce for income, leaving children with inadequate diets. “Vegetables are easy to grow and rich in essential nutrients like iron, but they are underutilized,” Babukiika said.
Despite these challenges, efforts are yielding results. Severe acute malnutrition cases at Kikagate Health Center III have dropped significantly, from 15 monthly cases between 2020 and 2022 to just two today.
UNICEF nutrition specialist Alex Mokori emphasized the importance of addressing underlying issues such as water, sanitation, and hygiene to prevent malnutrition. “Integrated, cost-effective interventions that treat and prevent malnutrition are key,” he said, highlighting the critical role of community-led solutions in sustaining these gains.
For Kokureta, the transformation of her granddaughter serves as a powerful testament to the impact of these interventions and the urgent need to prioritize child nutrition and the potential for communities to turn the tide against malnutrition in Isingiro.