Indus Hospital & UNICEF Organize Nutrition Festival for Flood-Affected Communities

In the aftermath of the devastating 2022 floods that struck Pakistan, the Khairpur and Dadu districts are grappling with a severe malnutrition crisis, affecting one in every five children. The situation has worsened with a rise in cases of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM). Responding to this alarming trend, the Indus Hospital & Health Network’s (IHHN) Community Engagement Center, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has taken proactive measures to raise awareness and provide screening and treatment for malnutrition in the heavily flood-affected areas.

Recognizing the adverse impact of malnutrition on children’s health, development, education, and overall well-being, the joint initiative between Indus Hospital and UNICEF aims to combat the growing numbers of malnourished children. The UNICEF Nutrition Program outlines the implementation and public health planning for the prevention and treatment of SAM in Khairpur and Dadu. With the assistance of 65 dedicated Youth Champions, Community Health Workers, Midwives, and Nutrition Assistants, the program seeks to expand SAM treatment and prevention services in these regions.

To date, the program has successfully screened a total of 169,325 individuals and identified 8,768 cases of SAM and 16,175 cases of Moderately Acute Malnutrition (MAM). Furthermore, 562 children have already received treatment and have been cured under this initiative.

In celebration of the program’s achievements, IHHN organized a Nutrition Festival on Sunday, June 4, 2023, at the Government High School Karoondi in Faiz Ganj, District Khairpur. The festival aimed to bring together flood-affected communities and families for a day of enjoyable activities and nutritional awareness, emphasizing the significance of a balanced and nutritious diet for growing children.

The event was inaugurated by Dr. Hassaan Zahid, Program Manager of the IHHN-UNICEF program, and the Community Engagement Center, along with Iftikhar Ahmed, Medical Superintendent of the Rural Health Center, Faiz Ganj. Dr. Mah Talat, Executive Director of the Community Health Directorate, was also present at the occasion.

The Nutrition Festival received an overwhelming response, with over 1,850 community members in attendance, actively participating in a wide range of activities. Families had access to nutrition screening and advice, with the Youth Champions conducting extensive screenings for malnutrition. Government vaccinators were readily available for EPI vaccination for children leading them to take a Vaccination Ride. The festival included engaging activities such as canvas and face painting, nutrition-focused coloring games and books, jumping castles, drum circles, and theater performances centered around nutrition and healthy eating habits. Peer groups, such as mother-to-mother and father-to-father support networks, were also present, sharing success stories for documentation purposes.

The event was concluded with giveaways packed with nutritious and locally sourced items for the community. A total of 93 women in total came to the Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) corner, with 39 receiving screenings for ANC checkups and referrals to the Rural Health Center in Faiz Ganj. A total of 12 children were immunized for their missed vaccinations. Furthermore, 152 children were screened (and de-wormed) at the Nutrition Screening Counter, out of which 44 were identified to have Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) and 8 newly enrolled cases of SAM were referred to the PPHI facilities for treatment, including the provision of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF).

As the community continues to recover from the devastating floods, it is crucial to acknowledge the profound impact they have had on people’s lives and society as a whole. By striving for excellence, fostering action-driven plans, and pushing the boundaries of what is achievable, the Indus Hospital & Health Network aims to create a lasting impact and a brighter future for these flood-affected communities. Through ongoing efforts, IHHN hopes to build healthier and more resilient communities in collaboration with the local population.