Malnutrition is a common problem among children in Mulanje; with many having evidence of stunting (not reaching their full potential length), and a smaller group developing severe malnutrition.

Children who are malnourished are regularly seen in the nutritionac clinic with their parent or guardian to monitor their weight gain. They are also given health education. High energy milk and fortified peanut butter paste are supplied on a weekly basis to prevent recurrence of malnutrition.

In order to sustainably defeat malnutrition, a community and home gardening programme is in place. The project teaches guardians of palliative care patients, orphans and malnourished children how to set up vegetable gardens at their homes (see video)

At the hospital, a Nutritional Rehabilitation Unit for very sick children is in place at the Childrens’ Ward. Each child that gets admitted is treated following strict protocols. All adverse outcomes are discussed with the clinical and nursing teams in formal audits.

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