Category: Success Stories

Harvesting from USAID SBCA Partnerships in the Eastern Region

Posted on by Michelle M

Kapochorwa’s Kabeywa subcounty is awash with remarkable success stories that range from improved access to vaccination to increase first-trimester ANC uptake. “We see change in Kabeywa subcounty. In the past, getting children vaccinated was an uphill task .Most people would ran away to hide in the forest with their childen on vaccination days” attested Yusuf Twaha, DHE Kapochorwa during the USA regional implementing partners performance review meeting.

At the same meeting, Dr. Siraji Masai, the District Health Officer (DHO), highlighted the remarkable impact of USAID SBCA interventions in Kabeywa. Dr. Masai emphasized, “Kabeywa sub county is currently the lead even with the Result Based Financing indicators, and I would want to link this to the SBC interventions, especially the iDARE and Channels of Hope methodologies.” These methodologies empowered community gatekeepers to address various barriers, including those related to social economic factors, culture, and gender. Dr. Masai recommended that all partners embrace these SBC approaches.

Community gatekeepers’ orientation on the USAID/SBCA campaign tools and materials in Kabeywa sub-county, Kapchorwa District
Some of the campaign materials were placed strategically

The transformative journey began in March 2021 when USAID SBCA introduced various SBC approaches in Kabeywa sub-county, such as Channels of Hope and iDARE. Channels of Hope empowered faith leaders to tackle barriers related to community and faith-based health service uptake, while iDARE, a Quality Improvement (QI) methodology, identified local determinants of service uptake and collaborated with community influencers to tailor solutions. Kabeywa was chosen as a learning site due to its history of suboptimal performance in key health indicators.

In Mbale, a different success story unfolded through USAID SBCA. In August 2023, SBCA initiated the iDARE project with the USAID Mbale Regional Referral Hospital Strengthening Activity (G2G). The project aimed to increase first-trimester ANC uptake, which was at just 12% of the assigned targets. Through careful examination and guided by USAID/SBCA, the hospital conducted exit interviews and discussions with ANC clients.These revealed the hidden factors affecting service uptake, including late reporting and community opinions.

The insights led to the identification of community influencers who played pivotal roles in addressing these issues.The QI and ANC teams engaged in discussions that revealed restrictions on dresscode for pregnant women, and one specific day for first ANC (Monday) that discouraged service uptake.The increased understanding translated into greater empathy and improved the quality of care. In just six weeks, the hospital recorded over a 12% increase in ANC service uptake, with many clients referred by community influencers.

These stories underscore the impact of USAID SBCA’s initiatives in Eastern Uganda, emphasizing the potential for community-driven change and improved healthcare services. SBC performance score card sessions with the sub county and community leaders

Filling out the community scorecard
Community gatekeepers’ orientation on the USAID/SBCA campaign tools

Since we began iDARE at the hospital, our eyes have been opened to so many realities that actually affect ANC uptake, and now we can plan and care for the clients better. In the past, we limited dress code, mothers who were not dressed in loose dresses were reprimanded and those who came for first ANC on other days other than Monday were not attended to. Therefore, most of them went to a near-by facility – Municipal health center II, which is more congested and with fewer facilities. This is because they were received regardless of their dress code and day of the week. Since we dropped these restrictions, we have seen a tremendous increase in the numbers, from 13-25%, in a period of six weeks.”
Said Diana Twisa, clinical officer, Mbale

Empowering community leaders to combat Mpox in Kisoro’s high-risk bordercommunities.

Posted on by Michelle M

On September 17th, a combined team from Kisoro district Risk Communication and Community Engagement pillar (RCCE) and the Ministry of Health, led by District Health Educator (DHE) Valentino Mubangizi, set out to engage with local leaders and communities in Serwaba market, located 34 kilometers northwest of Kisoro town. This effort was part of USAID SBCA’s collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Kigezi PHEOC, WHO, UNICEF, and USAID Uganda Health Activity to curb the spread of Mpox in high-risk areas.

Upon arrival at Serwaba, which lies near the porous Uganda-DRC border and attracts over 500 traders from both countries every Tuesday, the team was met with bustling market activity. Speaking to the team, Mr. Uwiringiyimana Laurent, the LC III chairperson of Nyabwishenya sub county, expressed gratitude for the team’s visit and emphasized the importance of sharing the information provided, especially with the Congolese community, who often resist adopting preventive measures. He recognized the significant influence of local leaders and their role in ensuring the community takes Mpox and other threats seriously.

The District Health Educator, Mr. Mubangizi, immediately began engaging the local leaders by first assessing their knowledge of Mpox and its potential threat to their livelihoods. One of the leaders expressed doubt, citing the community’s long-standing practice of eating monkey meat without any previous health concerns. However, Mr. Mubangizi, with his calm demeanor, explained the seriousness of Mpox and its potential spread through human-to-human transmission. He emphasized the importance of early detection and vigilance, urging leaders to educate their communities on recognizing symptoms like fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.

As the discussion progressed, a larger crowd of traders gathered around, curious about the conversation between their leaders and the health team. To address this growing interest, the RCCE team quickly shifted into a broader engagement. They equipped newly oriented leaders with megaphones, flyers, and posters, allowing them to disseminate vital Mpox information directly to the marketgoers. During the session, Mr. Mubangizi highlighted the risks of consuming wild animal meat, specifically monkey meat, which was a common practice among some Congolese traders in the area. He explained how this could lead to the spread of zoonotic diseases like Mpox. The RCCE team also provided leaders with translated talking points, flyers, and posters to ensure they could effectively communicate preventive measures to their communities.

Ministry of Health official, Mr. Muganga Edward, urged the leaders to take a proactive stance and lead by example in preventing Mpox transmission. He encouraged them to report any suspected cases through toll-free lines that are now available in their community to enable health authorities to respond swiftly. Given the proximity of Serwaba market to the DRC and the high volume of cross-border trade, such community engagements are crucial in raising awareness and preventing the spread of Mpox and other infectious diseases. By empowering local leaders with the knowledge and tools to engage their communities, USAID SBCA and its partners are making significant strides in controlling the outbreak in these vulnerable areas.

Getting to the communities: Left, a Kisoro DTF member leading an orientation of community leaders in Serwaba. A community leader using a megaphone and poster to educate women about Mpox in Serwaba market in Kisoro district.

Hope Springs Eternal. Zero Malaria and a Dream HomeContact Information:

Posted on by Michelle M

In the corridors of district and sub-county offices, the resilience of the integrated rollout manifests in tangible shifts.
“We’ve had the lowest number of Malaria cases this month considering the season being deemed a malaria one,” said Alela Constance, the DHO, Dokolo District.

Across communities, signs of transformation are, evidenced by the adoption of key interventions: the embrace of mosquito net use, the clearing of bushes, and enhanced male participation in household and health management, among others – all highlighted by the Wheel of Good Practices as pillars of progress.
Within Kangai Sub-County, Dokolo District, one household attested to the transformative potential of integrated MAAM activities. Jimmy Owinyi, a man of indestructible spirit is married to the devoted Ikalanyi Rosaria and blessed with three children. His humble home was what one would use to define adversity, plagued by malaria and malnutrition eating away at his children. Lacking basic amenities such as a latrine, the family relied on the goodwill of neighbours for their most basic needs. Financial woes were the centre of their struggles, as they had been using all their savings to constantly tend to the recurring malaria. Jimmy’s disability – a semi-functional arm was a constant reminder of life’s hardships.

Recognized as a vulnerable household, they were enrolled among the Obulamu households in Kangai in November 2023. In four months, the transformation witnessed was nothing short of miraculous. As the USAID/SBCA team entered their compound, the once-pale faces of Jimmy and Brenda’s children now radiated with health and vitality, their laughter warmed the home as they leaped, knocking over stools joyfully. Observing the couple tirelessly toiling away to build a wall around their pit latrine, it was evident that change had taken root.

The compound once shrouded in neglect, was now cleared, with sun-drying chickpeas in the compound. Inside their home, the mosquito net hangs up, as a symbol of protection from the bite, while the kitchen was piled with after-lunch utensils.

This is merely the beginning of Jimmy and Brenda’s journey towards transformation. They have newfound hope and resilience and embraced further opportunities for growth by joining the household SACCO – the Obulamu Mothers Village Savings and Loan Association. Rosaria in a bid to lay stability and certainty, took up the implant as her family planning choice With each step forward, the couple ventures closer to realizing their dreams, empowered by their ability to take charge of their life. SBCA continues to empower communities to take charge of their health and accordingly their way of life.

Jimmy and Rosaria with their children getting initiated into the Obulamu households. Joined by the community VHT on the extreme right and Health Worker on the extreme left.
Jimmy and Rosaria Build their own Pit Latrine.
A mosquito net hangs up in Jimmy and Rosaria’s house.

Pull-Out Quote:

“We’ve had the lowest number of Malaria cases this month considering the season being deemed a
malaria one,” said Alela Constance, the DHO, Dokolo District.”

Background Information:

USAID/SBCA, in strategic collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Districts (MOH), and Internal Partners (IPs), is currently spearheading the rollout of the last mile activities in eight high-burden malaria districts and three designated learning districts. The activities are intricately designed to address households exhibiting suboptimal health behaviors across various thematic domains, including Malaria, Family Planning, Maternal Child Health, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Nutrition, Tuberculosis, HIV, and Gender-Based Violence. Building upon the lessons picked up during the rollout in FY23, the current implementation approach is characterized by its integrated nature. Approaches revolve around intensified interpersonal communication and community engagement.

USAID LPHS-Karamoja Embraces Localized Baby Showers to Promote Timelyand Wider ANC Coverage in Karamoja

Posted on by Michelle M

Contact Information:
Muhumuza Michelle, mmuhumu2@jhu.edu, +256770731946.
Lydia Pedun Aisu, lpeduna1@jhu.edu +256774425740

In Karamoja, a new initiative is transforming maternal and child health outcomes. Introduced by USAID SBCA through its learning site model, the concept of localized baby showers was widely disseminated to partners during a USAID-led coordination meeting in September 2023. This was followed by visits to the Kaabong learning site in Kathile central sub-county for joint implementation and learning. Inspired by the approach’s potential to positively change perceptions of antenatal care (ANC) and increase service uptake, LPHS-Karamoja expanded the model to the Karenga district in June 2024.

USAID SBCA provided comprehensive training to districts, implementing partners (IPs), and health teams at the sub-county and village levels, covering key aspects of the localized baby shower concept. These baby showers are conducted on ANC days at health facilities or as community outreach based on ANC attendance registers. Health facility midwives, health assistants, and Village Health Teams (VHTs) collaborate with community influencers to mobilize pregnant women, ensuring broad participation. An influential woman, or “cool senga,” leads casual discussions, sharing key health messages and encouraging storytelling, while a midwife provides accurate medical information and records data in the facility ANC register.

During these events, pregnant women are encouraged to wear traditional outfits, including local bead crowns, adding a sense of celebration and cultural pride. Simple gifts like soap, basins, and washing bowls are given to selected women as rewards. The sessions are lively, featuring local songs and dances, games, quizzes, and the decoration of mothers with ribbons and beads. Essential requirements for these events include local ornaments such as ribbons or beads and simple gifts such as soap, sugar, or mosquito nets, following implementation guidelines.

The fun elements of the localized baby showers are a significant draw. Pregnant women share humorous pregnancy experiences, providing lessons and fostering a supportive environment. Folk media, including singing and traditional dancing, games, and quizzes on maternal and child health, add to the festive atmosphere. Pregnant women who keep track of all their appointments are recognized and celebrated, encouraging others to follow suit.

Preliminary results in Kathile sub-county indicate increased ANC attendance from the first trimester through all eight contacts, more facility deliveries, and deeper insights into context-specific barriers and enablers of ANC for targeted interventions. The localized baby showers in Karamoja have not only made ANC attendance more engaging and accessible but also strengthened community bonds among expectant mothers. This innovative approach demonstrates the need to make health interventions more fun, easy, and popular while leveraging existing community structures, norms, and cultural events.

Pull-Out Quote:

“As soon as I saw this baby shower in action, I was intrigued as they were engaging and a good platform for PMTCT bringing mothers who can’t come to the facility easily. I immediately added it to our workplan.” Dr Rebecca Nekaka Deputy Chief of Party, Local Partner Health Services, Karamoja.

Background Information:

USAID SBCA through its learning site model, the concept of localized baby showers was widely disseminated to partners during a USAID-led coordination meeting in September 2023. This was followed by visits to the Kaabong learning site in Kathile central sub-county for joint implementation and learning. Inspired by the approach’s potential to positively change perceptions of antenatal care (ANC) and increase service uptake, LPHS-Karamoja expanded the model to the Karenga district in June 2024.

Bridging Tradition and Modern Medicine: Local Solutions to Antenatal Care and ARTRetention in Malaba

Posted on by Michelle M

Before the SBCA iDARE interventions in Malaba, the community faced significant challenges with Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) retention and antenatal care (ANC) attendance during the first trimester. Most pregnancies were managed by Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs), who also handled some births. Malaba Health Center IV was generally avoided due to unfamiliar procedures and a lack of trust in modern medicine.

iDARE leverages local solutions for local problems, and in this case, the interventions capitalized on the community’s trust in TBAs by converting them into facility linkage mobilizers. These mobilizers channel local consultations to the health facility.

William, one such linkage facilitator, testified to having referred 20 clients in May 2024 alone. Sixteen of these clients consistently attended all their ANC appointments, while the other four traveled and attended ANC elsewhere. Through follow-up mechanisms like contact tracing, clients who move to other villages, districts, or regions are contacted via phone calls to ensure they continue attending their ANC appointments and adhere to ART.

Florence, another converted community linkage facilitator, has honed her skills in educating about the benefits of ANC, especially in managing health complications during pregnancy. Florence is also adept at identifying pregnant girls in her village through palpation and referring them to the health facility. She leverages her role in savings groups to help mothers whose daughters have become pregnant by referring them to Malaba HCIV.

Pedun Lucy has earned the trust of her community as a linkage facilitator and is often the first point of contact for pregnant girls. “Some boys approach me and say: ‘My girlfriend is acting funny these days, she doesn’t want to eat and vomits.’ Some girls come to me complaining that they are feeling cold,” Lucy narrated. She uses these opportunities to refer her community members to Malaba HCIV. Lucy also follows up with newborns to ensure proper cord care and supports those leaving town or the district to get long-term drug dispensing of ART and PrEP. She says many fail to come to the facility to pick up their ART because they haven’t disclosed their status to their partners. Lucy assists these individuals by delivering their drugs
and encourages couples to visit the facility for ANC so that they can both be tested and avoid the need to conceal their status.

Despite these successes, mobilizers face challenges, such as clients providing wrong numbers to avoid follow-up. However, some clients give relatives’ numbers, which helps in locating them for follow-up. Pregnancy stigma in the community remains a challenge, as girls and women often deny their pregnancy until giving birth. Nonetheless, Malaba HCIV has seen a steady increase in ANC attendance, now seeing over 30 clients a day. The facility is working to establish follow-up mechanisms for the community linkage facilitators.

Follow-Up on IDI Interventions in Kalangala – Collaborating and Creating a PreventionNetwork.

Posted on by Michelle M

In a targeted effort to address HIV incidence and enhance antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence among high-risk populations in Kalangala, the Infectious Disease Institute (IDI) sought technical assistance from USAID’s Social and Behaviour Change Activity (SBCA). The request aimed to facilitate an audience consultation with fisherfolk and female sex workers (FSWs), whose transient and remote lifestyles present significant challenges for HIV prevention and treatment engagement.

Through co-creation sessions, the consultations revealed an untapped communication network among the fisherfolk and FSWs, many of whom are frequently on the waters of Lake Victoria or travelling between islands. This transient lifestyle limits their interaction with health facilities, as they are often in and out of the island. Some communities reside on remote outposts scattered across Kalangala’s many islands, where access to HIV prevention information is sparse. In these areas, individuals must endure long boat trips to reach health centres. Further complicating the issue, lodge and bar owners were reported to sell condoms at inflated prices (UGX 2,000), reflecting the high transportation costs involved in acquiring them.

KIS’ Joan Zalwango refills the condom dispenser at the ferry docking station.

SBCA identified key intervention points, such as leveraging the boda boda (motorcycle taxi) network, which connects travelers to FSWs, and the ferry system, a potential avenue to reach transient audiences with HIV messaging and services. Another significant opportunity emerged with Oil Palm Uganda Limited (OPUL), the largest employer on Kalangala Island, which operates residential camps for workers managing its 6,600 hectares of palm oil plantations. OPUL’s clinics offer an additional access point for reaching their insured employees with HIV prevention services.

Building on these insights, IDI has initiated a series of interventions to increase HIV prevention awareness, testing, and ART adherence. In collaboration with Kalangala Infrastructure Services (KIS), IDI established a chain of self-testing and condom distribution points, making HIV self-testing kits, lubricants, and condoms available to travelers aboard ferries and at dock stations.

A key component of this intervention was identifying focal persons within all the islands in Kalangala to ensure the dispensers were consistently stocked and to communicate emerging trends in demand. One of these is, Joan Zalwango, a KIS navigator, who shared her story of how her relationships with frequent travelers led to her selection for this role. Known as a “Bro” by vacationers and boda drivers, Joan has fostered trust within the community, enabling open conversations about HIV prevention. She assists individuals in using the self-testing kits and, when necessary, refers those with positive results to nearby health facilities for confirmatory testing and ART initiation, using boda drivers as referral agents. IDI’s collaboration with OPUL has been equally impactful. The company has integrated HIV testing into its annual medical exams and employee onboarding process, ensuring early detection and prompt initiation of ART. OPUL also works closely with the local Health Center III, coordinating strategic outreach sessions in the evenings when workers return from the plantations. These outreach efforts provide workers and their families access to a range of health services, including ART refills and family planning consultations. Additionally, OPUL supports the collection and distribution of ART medication for employees already enrolled in treatment.

One of the residential campsites for the OPUL employees with a condom dispensing facility.

To further embed HIV prevention within the community, IDI has enlisted the help of boda drivers, who are intimately familiar with local risk behavior hotspots and previously served as intermediaries between new FSWs and clients. These boda drivers have now become community health champions, distributing condoms, lubricants, and self-testing kits, while serving as trusted peers in the fight against HIV.

FSW influencers have also been brought into the fold, joining forces with boda drivers to conduct joint community outreaches and health education sessions in collaboration with local health facilities. Together, they are creating a strong, community-based response to HIV, amplifying access to prevention tools and fostering a supportive environment for testing and treatment.

The demand for condoms, lubricants, and HIV self-testing kits has far exceeded expectations, with supplies like lubricant and self-testing kits running out quickly. There are ongoing challenges, particularly in promoting Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake among FSWs, as follow-through remains difficult. However, new opportunities for expanding intervention efforts continue to emerge. For example, IDI has yet to fully capitalize on the ferry system’s potential for HIV messaging through posters and public address systems—avenues that could significantly increase awareness of available prevention tools and services.

Strengthening multisectoral collaboration for Mpox and Anthrax prevention in Kanungudistrict.

Posted on by Michelle M

In September 2024, the USAID Social and Behavior Change Activity (USAID SBCA) supported the Kigezi
Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC) and the Kanungu District Task Force (DTF) to
strengthen the multisectoral response to Mpox and Anthrax. Kanungu district, located near the
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), faces a heightened risk of cross-border disease transmission due
to frequent interactions between schoolchildren and its proximity to wildlife-rich areas like Queen
Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, which increase the risk of zoonotic diseases.
The DTF, led by the vice chairperson alongside the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, District
Education Officer, and Assistant District Health Officer for Environmental Health, organized an orientation
session for 199 school managers. These managers were trained on Mpox and Anthrax prevention and
received 500 posters and 500 flyers to boost awareness. In response, the school managers developed a
plan to protect learners and their communities from these diseases.

The collaborative response action plan, which will be implemented and monitored by both the education
and health sectors, includes integrating Mpox prevention into classroom lessons, sharing information with
parents at PTA meetings, setting up handwashing stations, displaying posters, and creating “talking
compounds” that feature health messages.

The initiative also adopted a “child-to-child” strategy, empowering learners to share health messages with
their peers, families, and communities. Mr. Shaban Adam, the District Education Officer, highlighted the
potential impact of this approach, noting that with approximately 50,000 primary school children in the
district, health messages could reach 200,000 people. This assumes that each child shares the information
with two siblings and two parents, covering nearly 80% of Kanungu’s population.
Several schools have already begun implementing the plan. At Bushekwe Primary School, Mr. Tuhiriwe
briefed his staff on the Mpox response, while at Light Junior School, Ms. Tukurikye Debra introduced a
weekly “Mpox moment” during assemblies. Rugando Primary School, led by Mr. Tindiwegyi, reinstated
COVID-19 prevention practices, despite challenges in securing handwashing facilities.

Through this engagement, USAID SBCA has demonstrated the importance of multisectoral collaboration
in influencing health outcomes. The Mpox response in Kanungu underscores the critical need for the
health sector to work closely with the education sector and others to promote health behaviors that can
prevent and manage outbreaks.

Mr Katto Besisira, Kanungu ADHO-EH orientation school managers on Mpox .

A cross section of school managers attending Mpox orientation in Kanungu district.

USAID SBCA facilitates partnership with the Rwenzururu Kingdom to Combat MpoxOutbreak in Kasese District

Posted on by Michelle M

USAID SBCA, in collaboration with the Tooro Emergency Operations Center (EOC), supported the
Kasese District Task Force (DTF) in proactively addressing the Mpox outbreak in the region. As part of
the response, SBCA assisted the DTF in mapping key influencers, including political, business, media, and
cultural leaders, recognizing their significant influence within the community. Special emphasis was placed on cultural leaders, acknowledging that traditional values can impact epidemic control efforts. Studies have shown that cultural beliefs can create substantial challenges for health practitioners in managing outbreaks.

In September 2024, the district invited officials from the Rwenzururu Kingdom (Obusinga Bwa
Rwenzururu or OBR) for a formal orientation on Mpox. The kingdom’s delegation, led by the
Honorable Dr. Baseka Yusuf, Minister of Health, included several key officials such as Hon. Thembo
Julius, Minister of Culture; Hon. Bakoko Best Juliet, Minister of Gender; Hon. Biira Lydia, Deputy
Minister of Gender; Hon. Geoffrey Kangonyo, Minister of Information; Kule Joward, an OBR technician,
and three others.

Senior Health Educator Agnes Mbambu, supported by the Regional EOC and the Ministry of Health
(MoH), led the DTF’s Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) team in delivering a
presentation on global health security. They provided detailed information on zoonotic diseases,
focusing on Mpox, its transmission, and prevention, and distributed 500 Mpox brochures and flyers in
the Lukhonzo language.

The OBR representatives enthusiastically embraced the health messages and committed to disseminating
the information throughout the kingdom, utilizing their extensive network of chieftains and heads of
ridges. Hon. Baseka Yusuf assured that the kingdom would engage its media platforms to broadcast
Mpox information, while Hon. Bakoko Best Juliet highlighted the role of women and mothers in
spreading crucial health messages. She committed to leveraging various gender structures to ensure the
messages reached women effectively. The representatives also pledged to work with traditional healers
to encourage the referral of suspected Mpox cases to medical facilities, thereby integrating traditional
practices with modern healthcare.

Following the orientation, the OBR representatives briefed King Charles Wesley Mumbere Igeno
Ngoma I, who expressed his commitment to raising Mpox awareness among his subjects. This
partnership marked a significant boost for the Mpox awareness campaign, as the King’s involvement
promises to reach over one million Bakhonzo people across Kasese, Bundibugyo, Ntoroko, Bunyangabu,
and parts of Kabarole in the Rwenzori region.

The DTF’s collaboration with the Rwenzururu Kingdom underscores the crucial role of cultural
leadership in public health efforts. By working closely with OBR, the Tooro EOC and DTF are fostering
a united and informed community, prepared to combat the Mpox outbreak and protect the health of
residents in the Rwenzori region.

Obulamu’s Commitment to Ending Malnutrition in Uganda: Sowing seeds of health to nourish families

Posted on by Lisa M

Poor feeding disproportionately affects households, with mothers, pregnant women, and children under 5 years bearing the greatest burden. Malnutrition manifests in various forms, including undernutrition, which leads to wasting, stunting, and underweight, as well as micronutrient deficiencies. It also includes overnutrition, which results in overweight and obesity. Malnutrition leads to direct and indirect costs for individuals, families, and the nation at large. It opens the door to a cascade of health complications including medical expenses, stunted growth, weakened immune systems, and impaired cognitive development in children. For pregnant women, malnutrition increases risks during pregnancy, leading to complications during childbirth and underweight babies.

Mothers suffering from malnutrition struggle with fatigue, decreased productivity, and a higher risk of chronic diseases later in life. Therefore, ensuring proper nutrition for children, pregnant women, and mothers is crucial for their overall health, well-being, and future contribution to national development. Recognizing the critical need for proper nutrition among these vulnerable groups, USAID Social and Behavior Change Activity (SBCA) has implemented a series of targeted interventions in its operational areas to encourage a balanced diet.

These include food demonstrations in selected homes with malnourished children, and promoting the adoption of kitchen gardens for proper nutrition management. Homestead members are taught how to prepare balanced meals using locally available foods to fulfill the nutrient balance affordably.

The goal is to inspire increased household productivity and promote a culture of affordability, self-sufficiency, healthy eating habits, and environmental stewardship within communities. Village Health Teams (VHTs) are the backbone of SBCA’s nutrition interventions, working closely with communities to promote healthy eating habits and proper food preparation techniques.

They train households on how to prepare balanced meals and track progress using the “wheel of good practices,” a framework developed to monitor and improve household health behaviors including nutrition. The Obulamu team also conducts routine assessments and periodic checkups, and when the indicators show critical malnutrition (red flags) the affected individuals are referred to the facility for medical attention and a follow-up is done to ensure that the progress is sustained.

Obulamu, with buy-in from the community, continues to support vulnerable communities to break the cycle of malnutrition which remains persistent.