Lira | Africa Health Concern, in collaboration with Agweng Parents Primary School, organized a Christmas feeding initiative at the school on December 23.
The school mentioned above is in Erute North, Agweng sub-county, Lira district.
This initiative aims to address chronic malnutrition, with a focus on the most affected districts in the Lango sub-region, including Lira, Kole, Oyam, and Alebenong.
The Lango sub-region has some of the highest malnutrition rates in the country, with more than 30% of children under the age of five affected, resulting in stunting, underweight conditions, and an increased risk of mortality.
Africa Health Concern (AHC) says it is committed to reducing malnutrition among children under the age of five in Lango by improving household access to nutritious food, healthcare services, and economic development.
The sub-region’s malnutrition rate is alarming, with 30% of children stunted, 20% wasting, and 15% underweight.
Okello Ejedio, president of Africa Health Concern, stated that the feeding concept is part of their five-year strategic plan (2024-2028), which aims to reduce malnutrition rates among children under five by 30% while also improving access to nutritious food and healthcare services for 80% of children in the targeted area.
He emphasized that malnutrition is a significant public health challenge in Uganda, owing to limited access to nutritious food, inadequate healthcare services, and low household incomes, which are exacerbated during the Christmas season.
The Africa Health Concern was founded in 2012 and incorporated in 2015 to address health concerns in Uganda and Africa. Its many objectives include the implementation of community education programs, with the goal of empowering communities to access development information and education both locally and globally.
Their work is supported by Matermental, a non-governmental organization based in the United States that focuses on global health issues and is led by its founder, Dr. Adeola Folorunso.
According to Ejedio, Africa Health Concern is looking for partnerships with both local and international health development players.
“The objective is to collaborate with Africa Health Concern in addressing the issue of malnutrition in the Lango sub-region and Northern Uganda, as the future of the nation is contingent upon the well-being of its children.”
David Ogwal Lawrence, the headteacher of Agweng Parents Primary School expressed gratitude to Africa Health Concern for honoring their school.
However, he expressed concern about parents’ frequent delays in paying school fees, citing the school’s enrollment of over 600 learners.
Rev. Richard Omara of Agewng Church of Uganda, who served as the chief guest, emphasized the importance of prioritizing quality education for their children.
He urged parents to take charge of their children’s health by ensuring they receive proper medical care.
Rev. Omara expressed his gratitude to Africa Health Concern for its focus on the most affected districts in Lango, further noting that many households have been educated on nutritious food, healthcares ervices, and economic empowerment.