At the end of 2024, the URGO Foundation, in partnership with the Red Cross of Côte d’Ivoire, provided concrete support in the fight against infant malnutrition in the Yopougon and Abobo health districts in Abidjan. This initiative is part of the support project for the management of Severe Acute Malnutrition (*SAM) and Moderate Acute Malnutrition (**MAM) in Abidjan and Taabo, aiming to improve the health of mothers and children under the age of 5.
As part of this effort, seven health centers in the Abobo-Ouest district were supplied with local flours (rice, maize, millet, sorghum, soy) and other essential products. These kits enable medical teams to conduct cooking demonstrations and provide initial nutritional support for children suffering from acute and moderate malnutrition.
Infant malnutrition remains a major challenge in Côte d’Ivoire. According to the 2021 EDS survey, acute malnutrition affects 8.4% of children aged 0 to 59 months at the national level, while chronic malnutrition reaches 23.4%. This crisis leads to irreversible physical and cognitive consequences, hindering the country’s socio-economic development.
Beyond the distribution of food products, the initiative included training and coaching sessions for healthcare providers, led by experts from the National Nutrition Program (PNN). These sessions strengthen local teams’ ability to enhance the quality of nutritional care provided to patients.
The URGO Foundation is proud to contribute to this initiative, which brings hope and has been welcomed by healthcare professionals and the PNN.
*SAM: Severe Acute Malnutrition
**MAM: Moderate Acute Malnutrition
