Our Programs – ServingHisChildren

What We Do

March 30, 2020 Update

With diminishing financial resources, government mandates preventing gathering in close quarters and a global pandemic on every continent, Serving His Children has made the difficult decision to suspend all nutrition programs and divert our available resources to support government efforts to mitigate COVID19 in rural Uganda.

Information saves lives and reduces fear; bringing critical information to families in rural Uganda. According to USAID/Power Africa, only 19% of homes in rural Uganda are connected to power which means little access to information shared through radio or television broadcasts. Print media is slow to reach remote areas and many have not had access to the education needed to read and share important information. The most effective means of getting current information to rural communities is live broadcasting in the local language from a moving vehicle. Many districts do not have the equipment or funding to make this a priority leaving thousands of families hearing rumors of a deadly, contagious virus with little information about how to protect their families and knowledge of the government mandated responses.

During the pandemic, SHC is diverting all available funds to support the government appointed COVID19 Task Force in rural communities. We are donating portable PA systems able to broadcast information in the local language from a vehicle traveling through villages as well as necessary supplies for team members such as soap, hand washing stations, bleach and gloves.

Inpatient Program

Severe cases of malnutrition with complications requiring intensive medical attention

Children with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) require medical treatment and supervision by medical professionals. These children are admitted along with a mother or caregiver to our Inpatient Therapeutic Care Center housed inside a government health center near their community.

Here they receive round the clock care from a team of Ugandan Medical Professionals
All necessary medications, diagnostic testing and treatment is provided
Therapeutic foods and formulas are given to the child around the clock
Caregivers help with the care of their child and participate in daily educational classes in the areas of nutrition, general healthcare & hygiene, family planning and agriculture
A local pastor is on site to offer bible study, worship times and one on one prayer and counseling as desired

Once a level of health is restored and the child can be cared for at home, he or she transitions into outpatient care for continued support and monitoring until the family is fully prepared to manage on their own with a clear nutrition and health plan in place.

Outpatient Program

Severe cases of malnutrition that can be treated at home

Children with moderate levels of malnutrition can and should be treated in their homes. These children are enrolled in our outpatient program where they are seen every two weeks.

Here they are evaluated every two weeks by Ugandan medical professionals and their progress is closely monitored
Any necessary medication and vitamin supplements are provided to be administered at home
Specially-formulated therapeutic foods, as well as RUTF (Ready to Use Therapeutic Food, eg “Plumpy Nut”) provided through the government are sent home to supplement the family diet
Parents and caregivers participate in educational classes that teach them about nutrition, basic health & hygiene, family planning and agriculture
Bible studies are offered with praise and worship as well as one on one prayer and counseling

Once the health of the child has been fully restored and the family has established a nutrition plan and healthy practices in the home they are discharged. We remain available to the family for continued education and provide extended training for VHT’s (Village Health Team) in their immediate area to help break the cycle of malnutrition in their whole community.

Community Engagment

If malnutrition is to end, the community must be involved

When a community prepared through education and leadership, a sustainable plan to identify, treat and end malnutrition can be implemented that will span generations. Our plan is simple; equip communities to END malnutrition and inspire them to duplicate their efforts in neighboring communities.

Our team establishes a mentoring program with a group of 40-50 VHT’s at a time. VHT’s (Village Health Team) members are appointed by the government to monitor and assist with health concerns in their home village
Mentoring sessions include intense training in areas such as nutrition, hygiene, sanitation, agriculture and provide hands on training in simple but effective teaching techniques
Our staff pastor participates in training and offers spiritual guidance and teaching as desired and seeks ways to encourage local pastors in each community
Teaching tools are provided to enhance lessons and make them easy to understand
VHT’s begin teaching in their own communities with the support of SHC team members who gradually transition from active involvement to becoming a cheerleader for efforts and accomplishments
Community members with outstanding achievements qualify for Happy Healthy Home certificates that are presented by VHT’s and honored by the whole community

Malnutrition begins at the community level and that is where it must be ended. Whole communities are seeing transformation as families come together to improve the health of their children and strive for excellence. Understanding the problems, creating solutions and pride in accomplishments are the hallmarks of a successful community.

What does it look like to break the cycle of malnutrition?

Our Staff and Programs Are Supported by You!

Together, with your help, we can break the cycle of malnutrition in Uganda. Children can fully recover, families can be empowered, and communities can thrive!

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