Health 21 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Shs19bn Campaign Targets Malnutrition in 13 Ugandan Refugee Districts
Uganda's Ministry of Health has initiated a Shs19 billion ($5.4 million) door-to-door screening drive, funded by UNICEF and UNHCR, to detect and treat at least 20,000 children with acute malnutrition in 13 refugee-hosting districts. The effort addresses surging cases amid food insecurity, using community health teams for early intervention. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/13-refugee-hosting-districts-targeted-in-shs19b-child-malnutrition-screening-5398644
The Ministry of Health launched a nationwide campaign to screen children for malnutrition, focusing on 13 districts hosting refugees. Funded by $5.4 million (Shs19 billion) from UNICEF and UNHCR, it aims to identify and treat 20,000 children with acute malnutrition through household visits.
Dr. Samali Namukose, Assistant Commissioner for Nutrition, described it as an emergency response to rising cases in refugee areas. Health teams use Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) tapes for quick checks, referring cases to facilities for detailed assessments and treatment with therapeutic foods.
Only 48 percent of severely malnourished children currently receive treatment, leaving many at risk. Uganda hosts about 1.96 million refugees in districts like Adjumani, Yumbe, and Kiryandongo.
In Kiryandongo, where refugees comprise over 45 percent of the 365,000 population, the campaign is underway. Acting District Health Officer Dr. Irene Nabitaka highlighted staffing shortages at 38 percent capacity and recent funding cuts exacerbating the crisis, with a Global Acute Malnutrition rate of 8 percent.
The program includes immunizations, vitamin A, and deworming. Dr. Charles Olaro, Director General of Health Services, emphasized early detection’s role in preventing deaths, supported by digital tablets for real-time data tracking.
Nationwide, over 2.4 million children under five face chronic under-nutrition, per the 2022 demographic health survey.
Source: Daily Monitor