Lilongwe– WHO Malawi, formally handed over 48 units of Pediatric Extreme Acute Malnutrition kits price MK62,230,980.00 to the Ministry of Well being. These kits characterize a vital contribution to Malawi’s healthcare system, notably in addressing the challenges posed by pediatric extreme acute malnutrition (SAM). The PEDSAM Kits are meticulously designed to offer important provides needed for the efficient therapy and care of kids affected by malnutrition, in addition to malaria.
Enclosed inside every equipment are very important assets geared toward reaching 50 SAM pediatric instances for 3 months. This provision ensures a sustained effort in combating malnutrition among the many nation’s kids, reflecting dedication to well-being.
In her remarks WHO Malawi Nation Consultant Dr Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo acknowledged that this funding underscores WHO dedication to enhancing public well being outcomes and guaranteeing entry to important healthcare assets for all Malawians.
“We have now famous that since January 2024, we have now elevated instances of kids with extreme malnutrition. As we navigate via the challenges posed by the lean season, WHO is totally dedicated to facilitating the swift supply and utilization of those kits to the designated healthcare services throughout the nation. As a part of our dedication, instantly after this handover, we’ll proceed with the final mile supply of those important assets to make sure Well being for All”.
In her remarks, Well being Minister, Hon Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda stated Malawi authorities is grateful for this well timed donation which has come at a time the nation is dealing with perpetual crises on account of local weather change which have affected meals safety and inflicting extreme Malaria within the nation.
“His Excellency the President has since declared a nationwide state of catastrophe on account of results of El Nino. The results of meals insecurity principally manifest in kids particularly these which are below 5. This has additionally been the case submit cyclone Freddy and Cholera outbreak. We’re grateful to WHO Malawi and all different companions that proceed to assist us throughout these occasions”.
These kits have been distributed to 11 of Malawi’s 29 districts reaching out to over 2,400 kids.
Malawi was declared a state of catastrophe on 23 March with 23 of 28 districts dealing with extreme meals insecurity. Moreover, Malawi has lately responded to a number of emergencies such because the Cyclone Freddy, cholera and flooding compromising meals nets and diet.
In effort to strengthen capability for provision of high quality inpatient care in kids presenting with extreme acute malnutrition and in response to the shocks skilled by the well being care system ensuing from the cholera outbreak and Cyclone Freddy, WHO Malawi supported coaching and two rounds of mentorship for well being staff working in diet rehabilitation items. The trainings have been held in eight of the worst affected districts of Mulanje, Phalombe, Chiradzulu, Zomba, Chikwawa, Nsanje, Blantyre and Thyolo. A few of these districts have been additionally provided with PEDSAM kits.
Moreover, working along with authorities and companions within the diet cluster, WHO supported evaluate of the protocol for administration of cholera in kids with SAM.