Community Based Management of Severely Malnourished (SMC) Children
Problem Background :
Melghat, the hilly forest region inhabited mostly by tribal was known for very high prevalence of severe malnutrition and Malnutrition related deaths (among children under 5 yrs of age). Severe Malnutrition (SAM, SUW, Severe Stunting (<5 years of age) was >30% in the area.
MAHAN Intervention & Impact:
Trained semi-literate tribal women (Village health Workers) treated under 5 children suffering from sever malnutrition with Local Therapeutic Food (LTF) and also treated associated infections. They provided intensive health and nutrition education. The recovery rate of severe malnutrition was one of the best in world (SAM>75%), the prevalence and deaths of severe malnutrition have been reduced significantly, achieved WHO targets.
>5000 SMC Episodes; Case fatality rate of <0.5% in treated SMC, achieved WHO target of <4%.
SUCCESS STORIES
Here is story of how - Lakshmi, a 23 months old female child who was very critical & suffering from worst degree of severe malnutrition & severe pneumonia, weighing 5.300kg (expected – 10 kg) was saved
PHOTO GALLERY
Village Health Workers-Brining Life to Severe Malnourished Children
RESEARCH PAPER
MAHAN researches accepted & published in various national/ International journals