2. Definition of nutrition and causes of malnutrition
• Nutrition is a process by which
food (Solid, semi-solid or liquid) is
taken, digested, absorbed, and
used by the body for Energy (for
physical and physiological activity),
growth, development and health.
• Malnutrition is the condition that
develops when the body does not
get the right amount of the
nutrients it needs to maintain
healthy tissues and organ
function.
3. Nutrition situation in Uganda
Malnutrition is a major contributor to disease
burden, accounting for more than half the global
deaths of children below 5 years
NB: Malnutrition occurs across the life cycle and
if left unchecked can pass from one generation to
another.
It is important to break this cycle through
interventions to promote nutritional status of
adolescent girls and women of reproductive age,
and from pregnancy through 24 months of age.
4. Under 5 malnutrition in Uganda
Stunting: (Height compared to age)
= 29%
Wasting: (Weight compared to height
= 4%
Underweight: Weight compared to age
= 11%
VAD
= 8%
Anaemia (Less blood)
= 53%
5. National trends on MAM caseload (DHIS2)
93,761
54,505
45,091 46,071
51,207
3,433 3,682 3,021 3,477 3,454
5,467
12,428
8,180 10,537 11,876
84,861
38,395
33,890 32,057
35,877
-
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
Jan to Jun 2020 Jul to Dec 2020 Jan to Jun 2021 Jul to Dec 2021 Jan to Jun 2022
Total MAM Caseloads Above 5 pregnant/lactating U5
6. National trends in SAM caseloads (DHIS)
16,387
17,550
20,078
21,078
25,521
2,933 3,592 3,701
6,912
4,297
393 431
1,139
348 513
13,061 13,527
15,238
13,818
20,711
-
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
30,000
Jan to Jun 2020 Jul to Dec 2020 Jan to Jun 2021 Jul to Dec 2021 Jan to Jun 2022
Total SAM Caseloads Above 5 pregnant/lactating U5
7. Regional variation: -
Child wasting
Percentage of wasting
among children 0-59
months, UDHS 2016
NB: West Nile Region = 4.8% – 9.8%