What We Do
In partnership with the Ugandan Ministry of Health, we are working to break the cycle of malnutrition one life at a time, one family at a time, one community at a time. Guided by our comprehensive model of restore, empower, sustain, we provide malnutrition intervention and therapies, education and support in the areas of greatest need in rural Uganda. Our current base of operations is a government health center in the Mayuge District. All services are provided free of charge.
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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