Doctors of the World UK
Haiti, Mothers and Malnutrition, Two Years On.
Photo by Pierre William Henry
The fight against infant malnutrition involves promotion of breastfeeding to at least six months.
70% of the Haitian population has an insecure food supply, meaning that a majority of the population lives under constant threat of starvation. This explains that thousands of children under five suffer from moderate or severe malnutrition, with rates even higher in rural areas. Diarrhea is strongly associated with lack of access to drinking water and has a major impact on malnutrition and mortality among children under five.
Since the earthquake, the rate of severely malnourished children has greatly increased and the limits of organisations providing care are being tested.
To meet these needs, Doctors of the World Swiss office is fighting against malnutrition. 10 outpatient clinics have been set up with health facilities for children. The most serious cases are referred to hospitals.
To improve the nutritional status of children, Doctors of the World has also developed a support program for breastfeeding by developing 24 "Baby Nutrition Tips" designed to promote exclusive breastfeeding in a pleasant and friendly environment. They have also set up distribution points of milk for children who are not able to be breastfed (due absent mother, deceased, sexual abuse and rejection of the child).
Parallel to the nutrition project, DOW is improving the function of health facilities back to the standard they were in before the earthquake and continue primary health care for women and children. Secondly, it delivers activities to raise awareness of risks and public health issues in the context of post-earthquake.
Haiti, Mothers and Malnutrition, Two Years On.
Photo by Pierre William Henry
The fight against infant malnutrition involves promotion of breastfeeding to at least six months.
70% of the Haitian population has an insecure food supply, meaning that a majority of the population lives under constant threat of starvation. This explains that thousands of children under five suffer from moderate or severe malnutrition, with rates even higher in rural areas. Diarrhea is strongly associated with lack of access to drinking water and has a major impact on malnutrition and mortality among children under five.
Since the earthquake, the rate of severely malnourished children has greatly increased and the limits of organisations providing care are being tested.
To meet these needs, Doctors of the World Swiss office is fighting against malnutrition. 10 outpatient clinics have been set up with health facilities for children. The most serious cases are referred to hospitals.
To improve the nutritional status of children, Doctors of the World has also developed a support program for breastfeeding by developing 24 "Baby Nutrition Tips" designed to promote exclusive breastfeeding in a pleasant and friendly environment. They have also set up distribution points of milk for children who are not able to be breastfed (due absent mother, deceased, sexual abuse and rejection of the child).
Parallel to the nutrition project, DOW is improving the function of health facilities back to the standard they were in before the earthquake and continue primary health care for women and children. Secondly, it delivers activities to raise awareness of risks and public health issues in the context of post-earthquake.