LOCATION: Diébougou, south west region

SITUATION:

Even though Burkino Faso has economic growth this has not had an impact on living conditions and the lack of the government's commitment to improve the health system means that access to healthcare remains very difficult for the local population who have one of the poorest health records of West Africa. In fact, 45% of the population live below the poverty line, children under five and pregnant women are most affected. Doctors of the World (DOW) is working to prevent the problems of malnutrition and providing care for those affected by it. 

SOLUTION:

The programme focuses on strengthening and consolidating care and prevention activities at a Nutritional Recovery and Education Centre (NREC) particularly for children suffering from malnutrition. Three weekly nurse care sessions at the district hospital enable better medical and nutritional monitoring for all the children. DOW has created a partnership between the two so that a five-bed NREC treatment facility has been set up inside the hospital to care for malnourished children. Training was provided for the whole NREC team in May 2010 on Misola flour production and on hygiene practices.

RESULTS:

46 children affected by acute or chronic malnutrition have received medical care in the NREC. 318 children have been monitored as outpatients and given nutrition advice and were given flour. 138 children have been screened and treated in villages.

BENEFICIARIES:

22,000 (targeted at children aged under five)

OUTLOOK:

Long term.

In 2011, DOW will consolidate its activities by strengthening the partnership with the district hospital.  Systematic referral of severely malnourished children to the NREC will be promoted. A Misola flour manufacturing unit will also be set up in order to prevent chronic malnutrition and generate income which will help sustain the NREC activities in the long term. Finally, the programme will fund the provision of medical and recovery equipment in the NREC.