World Vision Zimbabwe’s Post

 🙏 T h e C h i l d ’ s G r a n a r y 🙏 **Fighting malnutrition in Senegal** Malnutrition is one of the main causes of maternal and infant mortality in Senegal. 19% of children under five suffer from stunted growth, 6% are acutely malnourished and 13% of children are underweight. ENDA Santé and CAREM, long-standing project partners of horizont3000 in Senegal, fight malnutrition in children with the concept of The Child’s Granary - Le Grenier de l’Enfant. In a Grenier, all children up to the age of five in the community are monitored and malnourished children are screened through regular weighing sessions. The mothers are trained in child survival and good feeding practices. In addition, they meet regularly for community meals. To these community meals everyone contributes, either with food or with money. Cooking demonstrations are organized to prepare healthy meals for children, using local ingredients. The entire community is actively involved and mobilized in this work: women's and youth groups, religious and cultural leaders, village chiefs, health establishments and district authorities. Today, there are already more than 60 Greniers in the villages of Popenguine health district and the communities of Fimela, Djilasse and Loul Sessene, i.e. the intervention areas of ENDA Santé and CAREM. And the impact of these activities is very encouraging: a considerable reduction in malnutrition among children in the area, a high level of awareness of healthy nutrition among families and a strong involvement of all stakeholders. 👀Would you like to know more about our projects?  👉Then visit our website: https://lnkd.in/dSRpE8hh Many thanks to our funder Austrian Development Agency and our member organisations: DKA, kfb, SSF Salzburg & Graz, BSIN Innsbruck & Kärnten & Feldkirch, plan:g, Caritas Austria, Welthaus Graz and Erzdiözese Wien. 🗺️ Locations in Senegal: Popenguine, Fimela, Djilasse and Loul Sessene; SENEGAL 📸Credit: ENDA Santé, Senegal, CAREM, Senegal, horizont3000 Text and reel Credit: horizont3000, ENDA Santé #horizont3000 #PeopleAtTheCentre

📝 #UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador #PriyankaChopra Jonas travelled to northern #Kenya this week to meet children suffering from severe acute malnutrition as a result of prolonged drought across the Horn of #Africa. During the 2-day visit, Chopra Jonas travelled to #Turkana County. ▶️ “In the Horn of Africa children are starving to death and millions more are on the brink of starvation right now,” said Chopra Jonas. “Most of the families I met are living on less than $1 a day, and some had not eaten for three days. This is what climate change looks like here. UNICEF’s life-saving efforts on the ground are helping to curb this hunger crisis, which includes distribution of nutrient packed therapeutic foods that can save a child’s life.” In Kenya, the last four failed rainy seasons have left 1.4 million children with reduced access to nutritious food, safe drinking #water, #health services, education, and protection from violence and neglect. A predicted fifth poor rainy season is expected to worsen the situation, leading to more children and families needing #humanitarian assistance. In response to the crisis in the Horn of Africa, UNICEF is scaling up nutrition services and distributing therapeutic milk and ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) to health centres, as well as supporting governments to identify and treat children with malnutrition in the hardest to reach areas. “UNICEF has been working tirelessly with #governments and other partners to minimise #child deaths in the most difficult of circumstances,” said UNICEF Kenya Acting #Representative Jean Lokenga. “This dire situation could get worse, especially if the next rainy season fails or life-saving commodities such as RUTFs become unavailable due to funding shortfalls. There is a desperate need in Kenya and the region for additional and sustained response to this crisis. We are grateful to UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Priyanka Chopra Jonas in helping us raise much needed #awareness of the drought response appeal, and ensure every child has access to life-saving assistance.” At a pediatric stabilization centre at the Lodwar Referral #Hospital in Lodwar Town, where children in the worst conditions are admitted for specialized #treatment, Chopra Jonas met with two-year-old Keeza, who was admitted with severe malnutrition. Unable to fight off disease as a result of a weakened immune system, #Keeza subsequently contracted malaria, pneumonia and oedema. Thanks to community health volunteers who traced him to his home in Nakwamekwi Village in #Lodwar Town, Keeza was brought in and admitted at the hospital. “The reality in Kenya is that so many children like Keeza are not getting the treatment they need, and are uniquely vulnerable. Children whose immune systems are already weakened by malnutrition can’t fight off disease, meaning they’re just as likely to die of illness as of hunger. #NewsNowKE

The UNICEF report on malnutrition in Somalia highlights that, despite the progress made in combating malnutrition, there remains a widespread need for intervention. Addressing this issue requires collective efforts from the government, communities, and aid organizations operating in the country. Further Analysis and the Importance of Development. 1.Regular Screening: The report emphasizes that regular screening of children and providing immediate healthcare are crucial in the fight against malnutrition, especially for young children. This necessitates continuous improvement of healthcare services to effectively reach vulnerable populations. 2.Community Awareness: Raising awareness is essential to ensure that communities understand the importance of proper nutrition.Strengthening community involvement in the prevention and management of malnutrition is also vital for sustainable change. 3.Collaboration Between Organizations and the Government: The report highlights the necessity for strong cooperation between aid organizations and the government to implement effective services that can tackle child malnutrition. Such collaboration is key to optimizing resources and ensuring that interventions are impactful. It should be utilized to ensure that nutrition supplies reach the children who need them, preventing misuse and ensuring accountability. This report underscores the importance of practical strategies and strong partnerships to safeguard vulnerable children in Somalia. Effective interventions require a multifaceted approach, involving not only healthcare improvements but also community engagement and collaboration among various stakeholders.

“These grave new figures add extra urgency to the critical need to prevent the spread of mpox and other diseases across the DRC. We know from decades of experience that malnutrition weakens immune systems, making it harder to fight off disease and more likely that children die from conditions such as diarrhoea. We know from just the past few months that malnourished children across the country, living with poor sanitation and healthcare, are contracting and dying of mpox at a far higher rate than adults. This new variant exacerbates challenges caused by conflict, displacement and poverty that many families are already facing. “We are now at a crossroads – do we let this deadly mpox virus spread and cause a catastrophe among children, knowing what we know? Or do we use this knowledge to act urgently to prevent the spread of the virus, to treat children, strengthen the country’s health systems and water, sanitation and hygiene services and protect children and families? “For several years now, the country has had some of the world’s worst rates of hunger and malnutrition. For far too long the world has let down children in DRC. It’s time for donors and agencies to step up to protect them.”- Greg Ramm, Save the Children Country Director in DRC #drc #malnutrition #mpox #childhealth #healthsystems Greg Ramm Katharina von Schroeder Amavi Akpamagbo Abdurahman Sharif Irina Mordvintseva Rotimy Djossaya Gabrielle Schembri Janti Soeripto

The ambitious scale-up initiative spearheaded by the World Diabetes Foundation (WDF) and Malawi’s Ministry of Health is truly commendable. This effort demonstrates the power of collaborative partnerships to address the complex and long-neglected burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Africa, with a particular spotlight on type 1 diabetes. WDF’s focus on integrating chronic NCD care at the primary level reflects a profound understanding of the challenges faced by underserved communities. By decentralizing care through models like PEN-Plus by NCDI Poverty Network and leveraging digital health solutions such as the Diabetes Compass project, Malawi is setting a powerful precedent for scalable and sustainable healthcare systems. The deliberate engagement of communities—through patient support groups, Radio Listening Clubs, and training of health workers—shows an exceptional commitment to addressing the human side of healthcare. These grassroots initiatives ensure that no one is left behind, especially in resource-limited settings where health education and access are often barriers to care. What stands out even more is the acknowledgment of type 1 diabetes, a condition often overshadowed in NCD dialogues. WDF’s support in creating holistic care frameworks, coupled with Novo Nordisk’s CDiC program, offers a lifeline for children and adolescents living with type 1 diabetes. The introduction of educational camps for these young warriors is not just about healthcare—it is about fostering hope, resilience, and a sense of belonging in a world that too often overlooks them. As Zimbabwe gears up to take the baton from Malawi, we must draw lessons from this initiative. Partnerships like these are a clarion call for Ministries of Health across Africa to own and champion these programmes. The sustainability of such efforts hinges on governments stepping into leadership roles, ensuring these projects thrive beyond the support of international organisations. We have witnessed what happens when opportunities like these are not fully embraced, and it is a reminder to remain vigilant. The time to act is now. Let us not only celebrate the progress but also commit to building systems that endure—because our communities, children, and our future deserve nothing less. Kudos to WDF and its partners for this remarkable initiative. It is a step in the right direction for Africa's health equity journey. May we see this momentum grow stronger, with lasting impacts across the continent! Priyanka Rai Apoorva Gomber Mads Loftager Mundt Bente Mikkelsen Bent Lautrup-Nielsen

Did you know that according to the World Health Organisation, Papua New Guinea is among 30 countries with the highest rates of tuberculosis (TB), including multi-drug resistant forms of the disease. Australia stands with Papua New Guinea in the fight against TB. Here's what we achieved in 2023 in Western Province and National Capital District with our partners World Vision International, Burnet Institute, the Paediatric Society of PNG, and the Western Provincial Health Authority, NCD Provincial Health Authority, and National Department of Health: ➡ found and treated 2,462 new TB cases ➡ improved TB testing, with accuracy rising from 40% to 70%. ➡ reached over 4,300 people in communities and villages to check for TB and provide treatment assistance. ➡ identified over 2,200 contacts through tracing and promptly checked them for TB. ➡ prioritised children—900 kids with TB received care at Port Moresby General Hospital. Australia's support goes beyond numbers; it's about changing lives for the better! Together, we're building a healthier future for PNG. Let's keep going strong! #TBFreePNG #PNGAusPartnership

"Recognizing the collaborative efforts of UNICEF and Global Nutrition Cluster in enhancing emergency response preparedness to combat malnutrition and food insecurity during crises." This collaboration focuses on developing comprehensive plans, mobilizing resources, and conducting training to ensure a swift and effective response when emergencies strike. By combining UNICEF's expertise in child-focused humanitarian assistance with the Global Nutrition Cluster's coordination efforts, they aim to strengthen emergency preparedness and improve outcomes for vulnerable populations, particularly children, in times of crisis. This joint effort plays a crucial role in saving lives and mitigating the impact of emergencies on nutrition and health. #EmergencyPreparedness #UNICEF #GlobalNutritionCluster

🌐 Did you know that the Eurofins network has been supporting UNICEF for over a decade? Established as the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund in 1946, UNICEF provides humanitarian and developmental aid to children in need throughout the world. Since 2012, Eurofins entities have funded numerous UNICEF projects, especially those focused on improving nutrition. During the 2013 Angolan drought, financial support from Eurofins companies enabled UNICEF to provide malnutrition screening to children, 59,000 of whom received ready-to-use emergency food packets. Malnutrition in young children often starts in the womb when the mother doesn’t have access to adequate sources of nutrition. Eurofins companies and other donors have enabled UNICEF to provide iron-folic acid supplementation to 91,500 pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls in Bangladesh. Together with UNICEF, the Eurofins network will continue its efforts to make a difference for children in need. #Eurofins #EurofinsFoundation #GivingBack

Hope Restored: Overcoming Malnutrition in Cameroon Malnutrition has long plagued children in crisis-affected regions of Cameroon, stealing their health and hindering their futures. However, thanks to a vital partnership between UNICEF (funded by the Central Emergency Response Fund - CERF) and the Cameroonian Baptist Convention (CBC) Health Services, hope is being restored. Meet Abdalla. Just four years old, he was severely malnourished, unable to sit or eat anything but milk. His mother, Hawa Abdu, recounts the despair of countless hospital visits with no improvement. Then, a lifeline appeared. CBC health workers discovered Abdalla during a crucial door-to-door screening and immediately provided him with life-saving ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF). Slowly but surely, a transformation began. Abdalla started to move, talk, and walk independently. Today, he's preparing for school—a dream come true for his family. Hawa Abdu's voice overflows with gratitude: "We are eternally grateful to UNICEF and everyone who helped us. Abdalla's recovery is a miracle. It gives us hope for the future." This story highlights the power of partnership and the life-changing impact of humanitarian aid. Let's continue to support UNICEF and organizations like CBC in their vital work to end malnutrition and build a brighter future for children in Cameroon. **What can you do to help? Share this story and support the fight against malnutrition!** #EndMalnutrition #Cameroon #UNICEF #CERF #CBCHealthServices #HopeRestored

Every 15 seconds, a child dies from acute malnutrition, but there are proven solutions that can save lives. In a powerful op-ed, Babatunde OJ, Head of the IRC in Nigeria, and Therese Engström, Secretary General of IRC Sweden, discuss how Sweden can take the lead in addressing this crisis and help achieve the global goal of eradicating hunger by 2030. Read the full article here and join us in advocating for change. https://lnkd.in/dJ-qVHDp