UNICEF visits Emergency Response Project in Southern Angola: Progress and Challenges

UNICEF, one of the main donors of the Emergency Response Project in Southern Angola, conducted a visit to assess the progress of the implementation of the component focused on combating malnutrition, which began on July 1. This initiative focuses on addressing the emergency of malnutrition, which is significantly prevalent in the southern regions, with an emphasis on the provinces of Cunene and Huíla, severely affected by the global El Niño phenomenon.

The supervision was conducted by World Vision Angola and included an evaluation of the progress of activities at the Special Nutrition Units (UNEs) and Municipal Health Directorates. The visit also allowed meetings with the Patient Treatment Program at the outpatient clinics in the municipalities of Cuanhama, Ombadja, and Cahama in the Cunene province.

These activities are part of an integrated program funded by the World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), and implemented by World Vision Angola, aiming to improve the nutritional status of over 7,500 children with moderate malnutrition, as well as 5,000 children with severe acute malnutrition. These children will receive RUSF supplements and will be monitored by Community Health Agents in their homes, as well as have access to therapeutic food RUTF, distributed by specialists at local health units.