CGIAR’s Post

Addressing both immediate and underlying causes of malnutrition is key to dealing with the unacceptably high rates of malnutrition plaguing the African continent. About 2 weeks ago, I engaged with local CSOs who have been awarded grants to implement community-based solutions that seeks to empower communities and complement the efforts of the Ghana Health Service in reducing undernutrition, in particular, within some districts in the Northern zone of Ghana. #wecanreduceundernutrition #unicefconceptualframework

On this week's Teledoctor Zambia show we delved deep into the current Cholera epidemic and looked at possible interventions for averting the current and future crises with the ZAMBIA MEDICAL ASSOCIATION Secretary General, Dr. Oliver Kaoma Since 1977, Zambia has had over 32 outbreaks claiming over 4,500 lives in the process. For many Zambians, Cholera is not new and while many factors could be attributed to these crises, what has remained clear is that there's inadequate access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene. Other secondary factors like lack of community sensitization on the epidemic, and the climate change have only exacerbated the ordeal. From a public health perspective, more needs to be done in raising awareness to demystify prevailing myths and misinformation and invest more in surveillance and emergency preparedness. Catch the full interview; https://lnkd.in/dTGXhbeD #ThePeoplesDoctor

𝐃𝐈𝐃 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐌𝐀𝐋𝐍𝐔𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐍 𝐊𝐈𝐃𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐋𝐃 𝐀𝐅𝐅𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐂 𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐖𝐓𝐇? Most often than not, we assume that malnutrition only results from not getting enough protein, calories or micronutrients, and forget that the overconsumption of certain nutrients, such as protein, calories or fat, can also lead to malnutrition. This usually results in overweight or obesity. However, other problems that stem from malnutrition such as impaired cognitive development, compromised immune function, and lost productivity exacerbate many of life’s existing challenges. But did you know that addressing malnutrition in children can facilitate amongst other things, economic productivity? Stunting which occurs when a child fails to reach their growth potential as a result of malnutrition, has permanent and irreversible consequences, hindering the physical but most importantly, the mental development of an individual. Stunting has been associated with an underdeveloped brain, which explains poor performance in school and consequently, the economic growth of a country dominated by stunted kids will be affected in the future. In fact, estimates suggest that stunted children earn 20% lesser as adults compared to healthy individuals, which has potential implications for national development as well. If we truly believe that children are the leaders of tomorrow, then we will join this fight against malnutrition because it doesn’t only affect the physical being, but also has irreversible consequences on the mental development of a child. At 𝑮𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝑭𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔, we carry out projects like the 𝐀𝐝𝐨𝐩𝐭 𝐀 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐧 initiative, which is aimed at making orphanages in Cameroon food secured by assisting them with the resources needed to grow their own vegetables and be self-sustainable. Our goal is to achieve zero hunger in orphanages in Cameroon. 𝐀𝐝𝐨𝐩𝐭 𝐀 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐧 is expected to work with 10 orphanages in Cameroon through a period of 5years. It is estimated that each orphanage houses approximately 25 children therefore in a period of 5years we can boast of having secured food for at-least 250 children housed in 10 orphanages in the North West and South West Regions. Follow for more. #agriculture #sustainabledevelopment #sustainabledevelopmentgoals #malnutrition #economicgrowth

URGENT NEED TO ADDRESS RECURRING CHOLERA OUTBREAKS IN ZAMBIA. Zamia has faced recurring cholera outbreaks in recent years, posing a significant threat to public health and the overall socioeconomic advancement of the nation. The annual resurgence of cholera demands the implementation of sustainable measures to mitigate its impact. These outbreaks not only jeopardize the well-being of the Zambian population but also raise concerns about the effectiveness of current strategies employed to tackle this issue. The continuous outbreaks have the potential to impede the country's economic progress by diverting attention away from key areas such as business operations, education, and overall human capital development. The consequential effects may manifest in business closures, reduced production, and the loss of skilled labor, among other challenges. Zambia faces an imminent risk of an uncontrolled outbreak, which could have severe repercussions if immediate and sustainable measures are not promptly established. While the complete eradication of cholera may be a formidable task, effective control measures can significantly mitigate its impact on essential sectors such as education and business operations. In light of these considerations, I have compiled a set of recommendations aimed at fostering the development of sustainable measures to address this issue. Please refer to the document below for further details. Our attention to this matter is crucial in safeguarding the health and prosperity of our nation.

In July 2023 the medical staff in our health station in a refugee camp in northern #Pakistan receive a painfully thin looking little boy. His name is Sardar, and he is then one year old. To assess his nutritional status, he is weighed and his upper arm is measured with a special medical measuring tape. What was to be expected, is quickly verified: Weighing only 6 kg and with an arm circumference of just 9,5 cm, Sardar is severely #malnourished. After initial treatment in our health station, our team organizes his transfer to a government-run health institute. They keep monitoring his progress closely. What happens once malnourished children start nutrition therapy often seems like a miracle: most of them get better in record time. Sardar, too, gains about 1 kg per month. To the great relief of his parents, by the end of September, he has made it: 9 kg and 13,5 cm. Sardar, like many other children in similar situations, now has a good chance for a healthier and hopefully brighter future. You can read some of their stories here: https://bit.ly/48kKjKZ Uncounted children in #Pakistan and #Afghanistan go hungry every day. Almost half the deaths amongst children under five years in Pakistan can be ascribed to malnutrition. Thanks to donors from various sectors, we are able to provide parents and children in Pakistan with the necessary relief. More support is needed! Please help us keep up the fight against malnutrition! 👉 https://bit.ly/3RRpPDN 🙏 #Pakistan #Afghanistan #EndGlobalHunger #ZeroHunger #Malnutrition #ChildHealth #MalteserInternational

Let's talk about resource mobilization to improve nutrition in Africa  Investing in nutrition goes beyond health—it's a driver for education, poverty alleviation, and societal stability. The projected increase in nutrition-specific financing, from US$7B to nearly US$11B yearly (2022–2030), underlines its critical role in shaping our collective future. Thanks to Biram Ndiaye who underscores the pivotal need for robust domestic resource mobilization dedicated to nutrition. He also highlight that, to achieve global targets in areas like stunting, wasting, anemia, and breastfeeding, an additional $10B annually is imperative. Strengthening domestic resource mobilization for nutrition, especially within the health system, holds key significance, as nutrition deficiencies continue to languish as the most underfunded sector. Together, let's unite in advocating for amplified funding, spreading awareness, and steering towards nutrition for more prosperous tomorrow and thriving Africa! #NutritionAdvocacy #Nutritionfinancing #InvestInNutrition #FANUSDakar2023

via @PerilOfAfrica #Africa Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)/North-Kivu: Violence by armed groups has exacerbated the nutritional situation in Masisi territory: Download logo Since the beginning of the year, an average of 800 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition have been admitted each month for treatment to hospitals in Mweso and Masisi, almost double that of the previous year. This alarming situation is paradoxical given that Masisi territory, around 20 km northwest of the provincial capital, […] The post Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)/North-Kivu: Violence by armed groups has exacerbated the nutritional situation in Masisi territory first appeared on Peril Of Africa.

🌊 **Cholera Crisis in Zambia: A Wake-Up Call for Change!** 🌊 The 2023/2024 cholera outbreak is hitting Zambia hard. But here's the twist – it's not just about the disease. It's a story of governance, leadership, and our future! 🌍 🚰 **The Hidden Villain:** While Cholera is the face of the problem, the real villain is something else. It's the lack of clean water, poor sewage management, and a big question mark on our public health strategies. 🤔 🏙️ **Epicenter of Concern:** Lusaka, once a bustling city, now the cholera hub, spreading the crisis nationwide. But it's not just Lusaka's fight; it's a national concern. 🇿🇲 🌟 **The Heroes We Need:** It's time for us to rise. This is more than a health crisis; it's a wake-up call for stronger policies, better preparedness, and a united stand against such challenges. 💪 🗣️ **Your Voice Matters:** How can we, as citizens, contribute? Let's start the conversation. Share your thoughts, spread awareness, and let's demand better governance for a healthier Zambia. 💬 Together, we can turn this crisis into a catalyst for change. Let's make our voices heard and shape a better future for Zambia. ✨ #CholeraOutbreak #ZambiaUnited #TimeForChange