AFGHANISTAN - Malnutrition is one of the major causes of the high mortality rate of children under age 5, claiming the lives over 25% of infants born here. Those living in poverty are most vulnerable according to Chief Petty Officer Eddie Fitzpatrick, the chief hospital corpsman for the 30th Medical Command at Bagram Air Field.
The Panshir PRT is helping to decrease mortality rates with a child nutrition program that is safe, cost-effective, sustainable with local resources, and culturally appropriate.
The Panjshir PRT Medical Unit conducted its first Strong Foods training program at the basic health clinic in the Shutol District. The group trained 12 male and 7 female healthcare providers, Sept. 2. Fitzpatrick is assisting the Panjshir PRT in implementing the "Strong Foods" program here. Fitzpatrick states that the main function of the program is to return acutely malnourished children to normal weight and to restore their appetite to the point where they can sustain positive growth.
In the program, local health practitioners are taught how to prepare a simple food and vitamin mixture that serves as a dietary supplement. A serving of 6 ounces, provides 600 calories and essential vitamins and minerals that stimulate the child's appetite, gives them energy and sustains normal growth.
The mixture contains almonds, sugar, cooking oil, full-fat powdered milk and liquid vitamins that are inexpensive and locally purchased. The ingredients are then ground into a paste similar to peanut butter. The paste is spread on or mixed with other food or eaten straight. "This is really a medication to give the children to help them to eat," he said. "It's only short term. Once the child regains his or her appetite and returns to normal weight, they're removed from the program."
"This program and training is very helpful to us," said Dr. Abdul Momin. "We'll use this training to teach others how to make and use the food to take care of their children. I believe now we can help most of the malnourished children," she added.
