Following the alarming results of the Food Security and Nutrition Assessment (FSNA) in April 2023, which highlighted a surge in malnutrition rates, concerted efforts were made to tackle the crisis in the Kaabong district of Karamoja. The district faced significant challenges, with the International Food Policy Research Institute (IPC) rating it as one of the areas with the highest percentage (50%) of the population experiencing acute food insecurity (IPC AFI Phase 3: Crisis). In response to this, the World Health Organization (WHO) stepped in to fund a mass screening exercise aimed at identifying and addressing acute malnutrition among children aged 6–59 months.
The primary objective of the mass screening was to enhance the Karamoja Nutrition Surveillance System by providing early warning, detecting cases of acute malnutrition, and facilitating referrals for appropriate care. Engaging stakeholders, including health workers, village health teams (VHTs), and district authorities, was crucial in executing the screening effectively.
Preliminary activities involved intensive training sessions for health workers and VHTs on screening techniques using mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) measurements and checking for bilateral pitting edema. The screening was conducted door-to-door and in manyattas (traditional homesteads), ensuring comprehensive coverage across all villages in the district. Data collection tools such as color-coded MUAC tapes and tally sheets facilitated efficient data collection and analysis.
The results of the mass screening revealed a stark reality: out of 30,501 children assessed, 12.9% were found to suffer from acute malnutrition, with 10.8% classified as moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) and 2.1% as severe acute malnutrition (SAM). This data provided valuable insights into the distribution of malnutrition across various administrative units within the district.
Alarmingly, a significant proportion of sub-counties, health facilities, parishes, and villages were classified as critical or serious in terms of acute malnutrition prevalence. However, there were also pockets of hope, with some areas meeting the acceptable WHO malnutrition thresholds, underscoring the potential for targeted interventions to yield positive outcomes.
Despite efforts to address malnutrition, the findings underscore the persistent public health challenge facing the Kaabong district. Urgent action is needed to implement targeted interventions, including therapeutic feeding programs, nutritional counseling, and community mobilization, to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
In conclusion, the mass screening exercise in Kaabong district has provided valuable data to guide emergency advocacy and prioritize response programs. However, sustained efforts and collaboration between stakeholders are essential to address the root causes of malnutrition and ensure the well-being of children in the community. Together, we can strive towards a future where every child in Kaabong has access to adequate nutrition and the opportunity to thrive.
