Fighting Severe Malnutrition (Combat contre le Kwashiorkor)
In Uvira, as elsewhere, traditional food aid is often compromised as it is misappropriated, sold, or ineffectively distributed. Nguvu ya Uvira’s Combat Contre le Kwashiorkor programme cuts out these problems by feeding the children suffering from severe malnutrition a nutrient-rich protein porridge on-site, directly from spoon to mouth, multiple times per week, eliminating the risk of diversion or misuse. Each child is also medically monitored by local healthcare professionals, who provide treatment for related conditions and essential medications.
To ensure long-term impact, the programme incorporates parental education on nutrition, so that caregivers can sustain their children’s recovery at home.
With a cost of less than USD 40 per child for the entire programme, this model ensures both efficiency and accountability. Since its launch in April 2019, the programme has restored over 410 children from severe malnutrition to full health.
Key Features
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Children are fed nutritious, protein-rich porridge on-site multiple times a week.
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Each child is monitored by a doctor or nurse.
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Medications are provided for associated malnutrition-related illnesses.
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Parents receive nutrition education tosustain recovery at home.
Total cost per child: $41 USD.
Future Plans
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Return to three sessions per week to reach more children more consistently.
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Expand preventive care, including routine vaccinations, deworming, and screenings.
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Increase outreach so that more children can be reached.
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Strengthen partnerships with local clinics and international health actors.
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Enhance maternal and child wellness with carers.
Testimonials
“When she joined the programme she was very weak, veins were popping out her skin. But now things are improving and she is getting better. It has given me strength. Even though I have problems it gives me so much joy to see her improve. If I didn’t get this help, maybe I would’ve lost the child. So even if I have other problems, it gives joy to my heart to see my child getting better.”
- Riziki Merceline – Grandmother
When my child got here he was in a very bad state, he wasn't eating and his body was sick. But when he got here, we started feeding the porridge, and his health started improving.
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- Francine Shabani, Mother
I am the mother of Jumatano Samuel and Julietta Mpaendo, when I brought Julietta to the foundation it was a very severe case. The children had the porridge here, now the children are in good health and I sincerely thank you. The children walk play and move around.
Kashindi Salema
