About the Project
The project consisted of targeted interventions – including essential nutrition services, health education, and sustainable agricultural initiatives – to enhance food security and promote long-term overall health for children aged one month to fifteen years old.
Location
Nansana Municipality, Wakiso District, Uganda
Quick Project Stats
| Funding Date | March 2025 |
| Luena Investment | $1,000 |
| CBO Partner | Enhanced Health Education Research Foundation Uganda (EHERF) |
| Village | Nansana Municipality |
| Country | Uganda |
| # of Children Impacted | 25 |
| Community Contribution | $657 |
Lack of Nutrition and Health Services Places Children at Risk
Malnutrition is a critical issue in Uganda. A significant proportion of the population, especially children under 5 years old, suffers from severe forms of malnutrition. Over 29% of children aged 6 to 59 months are stunted (short for their age), 4% are wasted (thin for their height), 11% are underweight (low weight for their age), and another 4% are overweight (high weight for their age), according to the 2016 Uganda demographic health survey. This is driven by food insecurity, poverty, limited access to healthcare services, and inadequate nutritional awareness.
Most of the children who suffer from malnutrition are those whose parents are very poor and can’t afford basic medical care and food for their children. They are unemployed and unskilled, only able to do basic agriculture and hard labor that they learned from their parents. Given the poverty and the knowledge gap in our communities concerning malnutrition, its management, causes, signs, and complications, parents don’t know what to do or don’t have money to obtain care for their children when they are wasting. Most of them think it is witchcraft and end up taking their sick children to the shrines. So there is still great need for health education and outreach even in urban communities.
Nutrition Program Improves Health and Food Security
The donation from Luena Foundation was used to implement a multi-faceted nutrition program for the community. The program provided health care services and treatment for children who are malnourished but equally having other medical complications which include malaria, pneumonia, diarrhea, helmenthiasis, UTIs, HIV/AIDS, and congenital anomalies among others. Kibuuka is one child who was treated for malnutrition in this program (pictured below, top row center and top row right after treatment).
The program also included a nutrition education event to promote awareness about healthy eating practices and the importance of proper nutrition in maintaining overall well-being. A nutritionist and health expert educated attendees on the benefits of consuming a balanced diet. Various fresh food items, including green leafy vegetables, fruits, eggs, and cereals, were displayed on a well-arranged table to demonstrate the essential components of a nutritious diet. Participants eagerly engaged in discussions, seeking knowledge about dietary choices that enhance their health and prevent nutrition-related diseases.
For parents who work in agriculture, EHERF is also promoting urban farming techniques that may improve food security for vulnerable families and help them earn a living. Currently, they are growing seedlings in nursery beds. These will be used in a demonstration garden and also given to those who have gardens to plant in.
Meet our Partner Community-Based Organization
Enhance Health Education Research Foundation (EHERF) is a not-for-profit, faith-based organization established in 2022 by a dedicated group of Christian individuals committed to providing charitable services and support to vulnerable populations.
To learn more about our partner organization, click here.
