Fighting Endemic Malnutrition in Sindh with support of International Rescue Committee

Sindh, a province with rich cultural heritage has been in the shadow of malnutrition since a very long time. The situation is dire since nearly half of the children under five are suffering from severe acute malnutrition. It is pertinent to know that children suffering from malnutrition face lifelong challenges, including cognitive impairment, poor physical health and limited opportunities for personal and economic development. The impact of malnutrition extends beyond individuals, affecting the economic growth of a country ultimately resulting in increased poverty.

Village Usman Ruk, located in District Ghotki, was badly damaged by the catastrophic floods of 2022 affecting the lives and livelihoods of the underprivileged people of the village. The floods exacerbated the already rampant poverty, poor access to services and food insecurity.06-months-old Zohaib, son of Allah warayo resides with his family in the village of Usman Ruk, located in UC Ruk, Taluka Ghotki. Allah warayo is a farmer who barely earns a meagre 600 PKR per day which is insufficient to meet the basic needs of his family.

During a routine screening activity conducted by outreach teams of MERF in village Usman Ruk, Zohaib was identified as SAM child by Nutrition Assistant Zain Ali. He measured Zohaib’s MUAC with the help of MUAC tape which measured 10.5cm. Following the protocol, he referred the child to the nearby OTP programme for further treatment. Under this programme, the parents of the child were given a weekly supply of Ready-to-use Therapeutic Food, a life-saving essential supply item that treats severe wasting in children under 5-years-old.

After regular intake of RUTF for 2 months the child’s MUAC increased to 13 cm. The team conducted a follow up visit to assess the nutritional status of the child and was pleased to observe that his health has improved.

“My son was very weak and sick.  We were clueless and did not know where to take him. In these dire circumstances Mr Zain assessed my son, identified him as malnourished and told us to take our son to the nearest OTP site for treatment. After receiving treatment at the OTP site my son got better. The staff of OTP site asked us to visit weekly for checkup and receive the RUTF until my son’s complete recovery. After regular intake of RUTF the health of my son has improved and he has gained weight,” says mother of Zohaib.

MERF with support of International Rescue Committee, through funding from European Union, is working to address the issue of persistent malnutrition in target five districts Kashmore, Ghotki, Sukkur, Khairpur, and Naushahro Feroze of Sindh through improved facility based treatments, increased community outreach, counselling and timely referrals. These initiatives will lead to reduced malnutrition among under 5 children, adolescent girls and pregnant and lactating women in target districts.