Care of malnourished children in Haiti

The context: An alarming nutritional crisis in Haiti

Haiti is currently experiencing one of the most severe humanitarian and food crises in its recent history. Behind the statistics lies a dramatic reality that is hitting the most vulnerable populations, especially the youngest, particularly hard. Nationwide, more than 277,000 children are currently suffering from acute malnutrition, a critical threshold that jeopardizes the future of an entire generation.

Even more worrying, among these children, 125,000 are suffering from severe acute malnutrition, a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention to prevent irreversible consequences or fatal outcomes. Faced with this emergency, inaction is not an option.

Action: CHSAN and OJAC join forces for the town of Château

It is at the heart of this humanitarian emergency that the Haitian Concord for Food and Nutritional Security (CHSAN), faithful to its mission of protection and food sovereignty, is deploying a targeted program to combat malnutrition.

To ensure a lasting and community-based impact, CHSAN is partnering with a key local player: the Youth Organization for the Advancement of Château (OJAC). Together, through this strategic partnership, the two organizations are combining their strengths, skills, and local knowledge to provide a rapid and coordinated response directly at the Château level.

The Pillars of the Program and Recent Objectives

The program is structured around three fundamental axes: prevention through education, medical identification of critical cases, and direct support to households.

1. Mass awareness campaign and nutrition education

The fight against malnutrition begins with prevention and the dissemination of knowledge adapted to local resources. The program aims to raise awareness among more than 1,500 people about healthy eating practices. Workshops and information sessions will focus on the use of local products, food hygiene, and introducing a variety of foods to infants.

2. Early detection and medical care

To identify children at risk, a community-based diagnostic campaign will be conducted. The goal is to screen for more than 200 potential cases of malnutrition. Once cases are identified, a rigorous referral system and close monitoring will be implemented with health authorities and relevant medical facilities to ensure immediate therapeutic intervention.

3. Direct support for mothers and expectant mothers

Because a child's health is intrinsically linked to that of the mother from the moment of pregnancy, the program includes a targeted support component. Up to 500 pregnant and breastfeeding women will receive nutritional food kits. This direct support aims to ensure mothers have access to adequate nutrition during these critical developmental periods and to promote healthy breastfeeding.