Ten years ago, the nutrition program at the clinic in Dakar was in full swing. Malnutrition is still quite prevalent in Senegal, not so much because of poverty, but because of social and cultural factors. In particular, the way we organized care for malnourished infants was innovative. According to local guidelines, all babies under six months who were too small or malnourished had to be referred to the hospital. But because the babies were often not sick, the mothers refused. We offered intensive guidance to mothers on breastfeeding with regular weighing. No medicine or flashy product, but now this approach has been added to the WHO nutrition protocol!
In my work in northern Senegal, I came into even closer contact with the reality of malnutrition. Young infants often arrive at the clinic too late, which is understandable for a semi-nomadic population. But the consequences are significant: delayed development, increased risk of disease, and unfortunately also death. In my search for appropriate treatment methods, I developed good contacts with the Senegalese government and international experts.
The new WHO protocol is currently being implemented nationwide in Senegal. As a first step, a number of demonstration sites are being set up. On these sites, the policy is being applied and researched. In collaboration with a university in London and in Dakar, I am involved in this research. It is a privilege to be able to help improve infant care in the country! “those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land” (Psalm 37)
