subject: HOPE Opens Stabilization Center in Dadu for CMAM Program [print this page] HOPE Opens Stabilization Center in Dadu for CMAM Program
HOPE, (Health Oriented Preventive Education), an NGO in Pakistan is working with UNICEF in the Sindh province on a nutrition support project since October 2010. The Sindh province was severely hit by the flood in 2010 resulting in widespread devastation in the region. HOPE responded to this crisis by distributing relief goods and offering medical assistance to thousands of people. In addition, another important response of HOPE was to treat severe acute malnutrition in Sindh.
The combination of activities involves community based therapeutic programs for acutely malnourished children below the age of five years, plus pregnant and lactating mother. As a part of this nutrition response HOPE operates one therapeutic Stabilization Centers (SC) in Dadu district (Southern Sindh), which is essentially an in-patient center located within the existing health structure at the Civil Hospital in Dadu. HOPE followed the field-tested protocols and nutritional products backed by an international scientific advisory board and government. The first step was the building of best possible infrastructure with the assistance of UNICEF, the government and other donors. The SC provides around-the-clock care for those most severely affected by acute malnutritioninfants, young children, and counseling sessions for nursing mothers and caregivers (IYCF sessions). Without proper treatment, these children would surely face imminent death. However, with the treatment received at this SC, a vast majority return to their families within seven days.
To prevent a relapse in those recently discharged from SC, and to assist those who suffer from acute malnutrition but require less intensive care, Outpatient Nutrition Centers provide treatment on a weekly basis. The center staff carefully monitor nutritional health and dispense therapeutically formulated food that can be consumed without special preparation and is easily transported to remote locations. These centers also help those who cannot reach the network of SC. In addition to the medical and nutritional care, HOPE organizes activities at both types of nutrition centers to encourage social interaction, strengthen family cohesion, and educate caregivers on hygiene, nutrition and Infant and young child feeding.
HOPE has been running the SC in Dadu since October 2010. To date, 109 severely malnourished children have been admitted and cured. The main aim of this center is to provide quality and timely care to the under privileged group in the community i.e. children, severely malnourished with complications.
