Evaluation of a Pilot Project to Combat Community Malnutrition in the Health District of Korhogo, Cote d'Ivoire

摘要

In Cote d'Ivoire, to combat community malnutrition, the country has opted for the Learning and Nutritional Rehabilitation Center (FARN). Before establishing these centers, a pilot phase was initiated in the Korhogo Health District. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of this intervention in the community. This was a retrospective and prospective cross-sectional study that targeted children aged 6 to 59 months and their mothers. The variables studied were the prevalence of acute malnutrition, the nutritional status of discharged children cared in the community, and the change in mothers' behavior. The results show a significant reduction in the prevalence of malnutrition among 6- to 59-month-old children from 9.7% to 6.2%, a cure rate of 89.1% for children discharged and a consolidation rate of a good nutritional status at 85.4% at 3 months in these same children. Among mothers benefiting from FARN, there was a change in behavior favorable to good nutritional practices compared to non-beneficiary mothers. In view of these results, FARNs prove to be an effective approach to fighting malnutrition in Cote d'Ivoire. Extending this approach to the entire national territory is therefore essential.