Ondjiva – At least 71 children under the age of five died of malnutrition in the first half of this year in southern Cunene province, from a total of 8,290 cases registered in different health units, the supervisor of the local Nutrition Program, Esmeralda Mwaefokangue told ANGOP.
According to the health official, there has been an increase of 11 deaths and 414 more cases compared to the same period last year and that the increase in deaths was due to the late arrival of patients at health facilities.
Esmeralda Mwaefokangue explained that of the 8,290 admissions registered, 4,611 were for moderate acute malnutrition, 2,919 for severe acute malnutrition and 760 for severe acute malnutrition with complications.
Of those assisted, 3,742 were cured, 2,519 abandoned treatment and 1,958 continue to be assisted, with Ombadja municipality the highest incidence with 3,126 cases, Cuanhama (1,847), Namacunde (1,421), Cahama (843), Cuvelai (766) and Curoca (287).
The health technician pointed to early baby weaning, abandonment of children, lack of consumption of nutritious products and the food insecurity of some families as the main causes of malnutrition in the province, underlining that the program has intensified awareness-raising and disease prevention in communities and schools along with outpatient consultations.
Cunene province has a health network made up of 161 units, including six municipal units, one missionary unit, 44 health centers and 109 health posts. FI/LHE/PA/TED/AMP
