Following warnings by UN agencies regarding the possible impact of these conditions on child health, we sent teams to Benguela province, in the west, in 2021; and Huíla province, in the south, in 2022.

While our assessments did not show an alarming rate of malnutrition, they did find high numbers of malaria cases. We also witnessed the many challenges that people in remote communities face in accessing healthcare.

In response, we continued to work in Benguela in close collaboration with the local health authorities and communities in 2023, with the aim of reducing child deaths and strengthening the existing healthcare system, particularly paediatric services. We improved the early detection of malnutrition in children in the community, increased access to health facilities by organising referrals, and provided much-needed treatment and medical equipment.

As well as supporting San Pedro hospital’s intensive malnutrition care unit and five outpatient malnutrition care facilities, we conducted health promotion activities, targeting children under five years old for screening, and their parents for health education, in the municipalities of Lobito and Catumbela. We handed over this project to the local authorities at the end of 2023.

Meanwhile, in Huíla province, between February and June, our teams supported the local health authorities to improve care for malnutrition and malaria among children under 15 years old in the municipalities of Cuvango and Chipindo.

We provided technical assistance to 17 general and specialist health facilities, trained medical staff, and established a network of community health workers to screen and detect malnutrition and malaria. We further increased access to healthcare by setting up a referral system and running mobile clinics in isolated areas. In addition, we upgraded the health facilities by carrying out rehabilitation works and improving water, sanitation and energy services.

In July, our teams finished our activities in Huíla and handed over the programme, along with medical and logistics materials, to the Ministry of Health.