DISCUSSION:

Chronic malnutrition and stunting is a significant problem in the township and Zambia itself. These children have been commenced on the nutrition programme at our clinic and their weight and height are monitored weekly.   The prevention of malnutrition is such a vital issue [as discussed in the literature] in particular in relation to the development of the child and their  future role in society that it is essential that all children under 5 in Linda province be screened by Community Health Workers on an ongoing basis . Apart from this vital screening i4Life Child Health Specialists  hope to further educate and work with the Community Health Workers in the area of nutrition and Health promotion to work in partnership with the Ministry of Health Zambia in the Linda community to enhance the quality of life for the vulnerable child under 5. This can be realistically achieved  by increasing their nutritional status and educating their families and the community at Linda in the prevention and management of malnutrition.

Maura Moran. i4Life CHS.

• On arrival at the shanty town, i4Life Child Health Specialist Team carried out a pilot study of children under 5 which indicated that 17% of children under 5 living in the shanty town were suffering from chronic malnutrition.
• In response to this survey, a Nutrition clinic was set up, in conjunction with a weekly education programme and all children under 5 are being screened for malnutrition. All children that present with malnutrition are commenced on a supplementary feeding programme under Zambian guidelines.
• Education of Local Voluntary Community Workers from the Linda Shanty Town and the Zambian Health Care Professionals working at our clinics. This education includes the following. Health, Human Rights, Child protection, Vulnerable adults policy.
• To date, i4Life has over 90 health care volunteers, Doctors, Public Health Nurses and nutritionists who have volunteered to work in Linda Shanty town and have established an under 5 nutrition clinic.
• In November 2022 in partnership with the Ministry of Health Zambia, i4Life took over management of a Primary Health Clinic in Linda township providing vital healthcare services to the Linda community.

• • i4Life have established links with District medical teams, Zambian Government Nutritionists, and the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka.
  • In May 2016, UNZA University of Zambia, recognising the value of the nutrition clinic, placed nutritional students for community experience at the nutrition clinic. Placbook has been completed and has incorporated i4Life’s child protection policy and Vulnerable adults policy.
  • In September 2015, i4Life commenced a pilot programme in two secondary schools in Galway to educate pupils re our work in Zambia ,Human Rights, Geography .Over 300 Galway students were educated in Human Rights.
  • In January 2014, the Zambian Health authorities recognised the value of the Nutrition Clinic and commenced supplying the Plumpy nut for the children with moderate to severe malnutrition.
  • Mobile tent. A vital link between the [Neri] Clinic and the Linda shanty town was established in May 2012 with the introduction of a mobile tent which is used for Health promotion and education in the more vulnerable areas of the shanty town.