Increase in child neglect linked to rising malnutrition rates in Kagadi

18 September 2024, 7:54 am

By James Muhumuza

Malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in a person’s intake of energy and/or nutrients.

Medical professionals at Kagadi General Hospital are raising alarms about increasing cases of child neglect, which are contributing to a troubling rise in malnutrition among local children.

Nursing Officer Justine Mbamba highlighted these concerns on 17th September 2024 while addressing our reporter about the challenges faced in the hospital’s nutrition clinic.

She noted that many young mothers are neglecting their responsibilities, often leaving their children unsupervised while they work in bars or seek employment abroad.

Mbamba also identified poor child spacing as a significant factor contributing to malnutrition. She emphasised the need for improved family planning practices among mothers.

Mbamba urged mothers to practise responsible family planning, recommending a gap of at least two years between pregnancies to ensure better outcomes for both mothers and their children.

The call to action highlights the urgent need for community education on child care and nutrition to address the rising malnutrition rates in Kagadi.